Big Ben Beats The Clock (NC State 67, Wake 65)

07-08 Basketball149

Video Highlights | Box Score | Recap| Photos|

Take THAT ghost of Chris Paul and the decade where NC State couldn’t win a close game if our life depended on it!

BEFORE the last play of the game, I had already written the following for the postgame entry –

Player of the game – Ben McCauley. He did a lot of things in the second half that were obviously huge…but he also made a ton of decisions that don’t show up in the box score. The little things like not rushing in-bounds passes that result in turnovers. Like not only coming up with loose balls, but immediately making the right play with the loose balls that he recovers.

Then…the last play of the game happend. UNBELIEVABLE!! UNBELIEVABLE!!

Some quick bytes:

There are a lot of differences between NC State’s basketball program under Sidney Lowe compared to Herb Sendek – some of them good; some of them not as good.

But, nowhere is the difference between the team more evident than in two areas that were highly evident today: (1) NC State’s sudden ability to win close (and exciting) games, and (2) NC State’s sudden ability to beat Wake Forest.

* Coach Lowe extended his record to 3-0 against State’s Big Four rival as his program is now a respectable 5-5 against Big Four competition since taking over the program.

* In a year and a half, Coach Lowe has amassed half the number of regular season wins over Wake Forest as the Wolfpack’s previous coach did in an entire decade as he compiled just a 6-14 regular season record against the Demon Deacons.

* NC State advances to 10-5 in games played on Super Sundays.

* NC State advances to 13-7 and 3-4 in the ACC. The win improved the Wolfpack’s RPI improved to #43 against the 34th toughest schedule in all of America. State hosts surging #63 Virginia Tech (14-8, 5-3) on Tuesday night with a chance to even our ACC record at .500.

* I REPEAT the comments that I made after the big Miami win earlier this year.

What I am about to say is actually pretty sad, but unfortunately true — I think tonight’s win over Miami [insert Wake Forest] may have represented the most exciting win in ESA/RBC Center history. Last year’s win over Carolina clearly ranks as the “best” win by nature of their national ranking, the style & excitement in which the game was played and the fact that it was Carolina. But, tonight’s win at the buzzer bests anything else that I can remember in the RBC. Others that immediately come to mind would be Justin Gainey’s shot to beat Maryland and the ESA’s opening night against Georgia.

* From 2000-2006 I tried to tell some of you that ACC Basketball should be more fun than it was for NC State and I was castigated. From 2000-2006 I tried to tell some of you that NC State’s record in close games and inability to compete in clutch time was abnormal. From 1993-2006 I tried to tell some of you that the prominence of Wake Forest’s basketball program compared to NC State’s was unacceptable and completely out of step with decades of history. I would like to thank Coach Lowe and the entire team for giving us fans some actual success in the midst of challenges and close games and for making home games FUN for the fans again!

* Javi Gonzalez continues to improve exponentially. I could only imagine what kind of surprises this team could pull if Degand was healthy and had Gonzalez backing him up.

* Wake Forest’s Harvey Hale not only WALKED when he slid with less than 30 seconds to go in the game, he also DOUBLE DRIBBLED as he used the ball to stop his fall then recovered and then dribbled to his left. That means that the ball hit the floor. Stopped. And was put back into play. Ultimately the Demon Deacons couldn’t convert and JJ Hickson rebounded and stepped to the free throw line (and missed two big ones).

* FREE THROWS, FREE THROWS, FREE THROWS – Gavin Grant and JJ Hickson combined to go 1 of 4 from the free throw line with less than a minute to go and ultimately alllowed Wake Forest to tie the game with a drive to the basket with 5.2 seconds left.

* We had first half comments in this entry. The key comment was the first one as the second half of today’s game marked a buge different

Simple reason why NC State is not winning this game – SHOOTING. It’s not just that State only hit 2 of 11 three pointers (both by Courtney Fells. It is that State missed/bricked multiple WIDE OPEN threes – at least three of which were from the top of the key where it doesn’t get any easier. If the offense creates wide open threes then the guys have GOT to hit them.

…More to come…

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07-08 Basketball

149 Responses to Big Ben Beats The Clock (NC State 67, Wake 65)

  1. haze 02/04/2008 at 8:36 AM #

    ^ With all due respect, practically no team has a PG that can stay in front of Ty Lawson or Sean Singletary. You don’t have to be THAT good to be successful. I think you do need a decent set of skills and experience, blended with enough athleticism to keep elite defensive guards from driving you out to the hash marks. It’s not rocket science but it’s also not a wish and make it be proposition in year 2.

    For NC State, this year, we have what we have and, aside from convincing Chris Wright to stay with us, Sid has had little opportunity to improve our lot. Degand was a solid pick-up with speed, size and some shooting skill but he’s out for the year. Javi is a true frosh with some speed and some moxy. He’s getting better by the game so what more do you expect from him? Without Javi, we’d be dead meat for the NCAAT. I’m less optimistic about MJ and am now convinced that we offered Javi specifically b/c Sid had a couple of months to watch MJ in practice and knew that he was not an adequate backup, much less a starter. I think he starts MJ now for the initial D and to keep MJ’s confidence up. We need MJ this season. Sure, this is not an elite lineup but I don’t see how it could be given what Sid inherited (Atsur + nobody) and the limited chance he’s had to recruit the position. If you’re not an elite program, 5-star PG’s don’t just fall off of trees.

    As far as getting better, you’re best shot for next year is a healthy Degand with a seasoned Javi by his side. If Mays can break in, more power to him but I think we need Mays more at 2G. Grant is leaving, meaning that Courtney is likely to be a 2/3 next year and it is already obvious that we have very little behind Fells at the 2. If Mays can shoot and move and has even mild handle, he’s the 2 in small lineups. In 2009-2010, maybe you get Wall or Brown. That’d be a major upgrade in physical talent but it’s a long ways away and, frankly, Degand and Javi with 2 years in the bag, may be just as good as a high-speed freshman.

  2. choppack1 02/04/2008 at 8:45 AM #

    Rick – I’ve badly wanted every coach to succeed at NC State.

    Regarding Wake Forest – part of the reasons that they had problems is that they were always mediocre defensively. When they lost Paul, they couldn’t outscore everyone any more. It also took them a while to figure out how to play. They eventually did figure it out – but the season was pretty much over when they did.

    I don’t thin TFerg should get lots of minutes – but he does bring something to the table we sorely need – a perimeter shot. He also has decent size – and he’s gotten stronger. He doesn’t look like he’s just moping around the court anymore. IF he starts playing w/ some confidence, he’ll be a valuable reserve because of this.

  3. EverettBeez 02/04/2008 at 8:51 AM #

    In Re the photo link to WRAL – #31, showing Gavin taking the shot, and Big Ben NOT EVEN AT THE TOP OF THE KEY!!
    Man, Pure T hustle out of that young man last night.

  4. Sweet jumper 02/04/2008 at 9:03 AM #

    Yesterday’s final sequence was eerily similar to the inaugral Super Sunday game between State and Maryland in 1973 with DT flying down the lane to tip in Burleson’s miss from the perimeter for a 2 point win at the buzzer at College Park. The obvious difference is that Maryland was #2 and State #3 in the nation prior to that game and it was on national TV. Great hustle by Ben.

  5. Rochester 02/04/2008 at 9:09 AM #

    Maybe MJ starts to buy some time for Javi to stay out of foul trouble in the first half. Maybe Javi is more relaxed coming off the bench. Whatever, as long as he gets the majority of the minutes, I’d rather have Javi in there at the end.

    I realize he’s not exactly an NBA ready talent, but you need to build a program with 4-year guys and plug in a Hickson (or Wall) here or there. You can’t build around those guys because they’re here and gone in a year or two. It’s like signing a big free agent in baseball. You get those guys to put you over the top. Javi may never be the best point guard in the ACC, but two years from now he’ll be a lot closer to the top than the bottom.

    As for Hickson leaving early, we all can see he’s not ready, but that’s not likely to factor into the decision much if someone wants to draft him early. If he comes back next year and learns how to play defense he could be scary good.

  6. wolfonthehill 02/04/2008 at 9:30 AM #

    Javi seemed to do just fine keeping up with Greg Paulus the other night. He PLAYED him even, with the exception of not fighting through screens quickly enough & allowing a couple uncontested 3’s.

    As said above, the bar can’t be Ty Lawson… that’s like saying Sid needs to be as good a coach as Roy Williams. Ain’t gonna happen in the next 3 years.

    If Javi continues to build confidence in his abilities and in his knee (which I think has played a factor in limiting his quickness up till now, as he seems quicker every game), we have a perfectly passable point guard for ACC play.

    If we could just learn to box out & keep our opponents from grabbing damn near half of their misses, we’d be in good shape. Fix that one aspect of the game, and we’re 4-3 or 5-2 right f’ing now. Enough on the PG rants… just box out, fellas.

  7. choppack1 02/04/2008 at 9:50 AM #

    wolfonthehill – Paulus is the slowest PG in the conference. Don’t forget, Javi was also abused by FSU’s PG Douglas and Causey. The problem isn’t effort, it’s just where he is physically right now at this point in a very young career.

    You’re right about boxing out though – our rebounding is atrocious. This is one of the reasons why I’m not gaga over McCauley – I believe he was outrebounded by Javi yesterday. (Of course, Javi was tied for the 2nd leading rebounder on our team!) In addition, it looked to me like he quit in the Duke game. I like him, but he’s not the second coming of Googs or anything.

  8. zahadum 02/04/2008 at 10:02 AM #

    A couple of remarkable stats. (both of these are conference games only) First, we lead the league in 3 pt %. Yes, that’s almost all because of Fells, but still, who’d a thunk it? Second, Javi is actually 7th in the league in assist to turnover ratio. A month ago I would never have imagined that in my wildest dreams.

    One streak I’d like to see end: for the 4th straight game, Hickson outrebounded the rest of our front line guys, starters and subs, combined. While his play has been good in other areas, would really like to see Grant contribute more here.

    The sample is a bit small, but Javi appears to be a much better shooter from the wing area than he is from straightaway.

  9. Classof89 02/04/2008 at 10:17 AM #

    Re Costner and the hopes that he starts playing better…can someone point out a historical precedent for a player playing so poorly so late in the season and managing to turn it around and returning to prior season’s form by March? My sense is that he has just about thrown in the towel on this year…I believe there HAS to be something going on behind the scene (nagging pain, conflict with coaching staff or another player, etc.) that we just don’t know about…

  10. packgrad93 02/04/2008 at 10:25 AM #

    That’s what I’ve been talking about for years, players have to make plays. A coach can only put their players in position to win, players have to make it happen. Great job Ben!

  11. highstick 02/04/2008 at 10:37 AM #

    Sweetjumper, I hope Len Elmore was having “flashbacks” of that game that still torture him!

  12. wufpup76 02/04/2008 at 10:38 AM #

    Rick – i know you asked shooting guard, and it’s only my opinion, but i really don’t believe costner has quit on the team …

    at every home game, i’ve been impressed with his general attitude … he’s always encouraging his teammates, and in general tries to be a positive influence on the team … not sure if you are at any of the games or not, but i know they don’t show this type of stuff on the telecast … a lot of folks seem to geniunely believe he is a malcontent or has a sulking attitude; i’ve made it a point to focus on his bench and warm-up demeanor this season at home games and have always found the opposite to be the case …

    it’s my belief that the poor kid is REALLY pressing … he’s said all the right things when asked by the media, but it has got to be a huge struggle to define a new role on the team, especially when so much of the offense last season revolved around you … i really believe costner is trying so hard to find a role that fits him this season on this team, a lot like i believe has happened to mccauley as well … the offense flowed through costner and mccauley from atsur last season, now their roles are entirely different and it is a huge adjustment

    i know from experience that when you are either not confident, pressing, thinking too much, or heaven forbid all three of those, that the first thing that goes on offense is your shot … costner has played well at times this season so let’s give him his due as well … if it was really a matter of quiting or no effort i don’t think we would’ve seen him get an offensive board and stick back yesterday, or play so tough against duke in the first half the other night

    now i’m not trying to make excuses or apologize for the young man, but i did want to say that i don’t think any of his problems stem from a poor attitude … that said, he just can’t be counted on right now to get the big rebounds, play the tough D, or make the key offensive play … this is why mccauley is getting the starts now and getting crucial minutes down the stretch in tight games … i’m not sure if it’s costner’s knee, or just a mental thing, but he seems to fade this year in the crucial minutes this season while the opposite was true last seasn … in my opinion though, it’s not effort or attitude

    here’s to hoping for a great final season stretch for costner and the rest of the team!

    go wolfpack! 🙂

  13. choppack1 02/04/2008 at 10:47 AM #

    “One streak I’d like to see end: for the 4th straight game, Hickson outrebounded the rest of our front line guys, starters and subs, combined. While his play has been good in other areas, would really like to see Grant contribute more here.”

    I don’t have a problem w/ Hickson leading our team in rebounds. I have a problem w/ him and Javi apparently being the only average or above rebounders for their position.

    wulfpup – I’m w/ you here. I think Costner is trying. He HAS TO KEEP SHOOTING. Part of the problem that he’s probably running into is coming off the bench and not getting a lot of minutes. I’m sure he’s not used to do this. I’ve also heard rumblings that he has a nagging injury. We know he’s not in the best shape of his life. He needs to keep his head up and stay positive -because he can get it back as quick as he lost it.

  14. Redblogger 02/04/2008 at 11:05 AM #

    What’s the injure report on Ty Lawson?

  15. JBS 02/04/2008 at 11:44 AM #

    Anybody else think the Fergie should be getting more of Horner’s minutes? And possibly a little time at back-up point instead of MJ? He appears to be much more confident, comfortable, and capable than either of these guys when he plays.

  16. Trip 02/04/2008 at 11:52 AM #

    I’ve mentioned it before, but it deserves to be said again, MJ played at the 3 spot in his final year of high school. I’m not sure if it was because of necessity/injury or they just had a better PG to use, but I’m starting to think it might be because he was better suited for the spot. He either lacks the ability to, or doesn’t have the confidence, to penetrate/shoot 3’s, which generally as a PG you should be good atleast at one of those and adequate at the other. He CAN hit 3’s, but he won’t be burning it up over 40% often.

    I’d like to see him and Javi out there at the same time, Javi at the point, and MJ maybe at the 2/3 spot. I know he can shoot from 2 point land fairly well, and during the duke game he had a killer drive spin move to the basket.. Soo… you never know.

    Although, he could be playing PG because he’s the 2nd best on the team at it, which doesn’t necessarily mean he’s awesome at it, just means he’s better than Fells/Grant at it.

  17. Ismael 02/04/2008 at 12:18 PM #

    What i don’t understand is that there are times when either Fells or McCauley make some ridiculous ill-advised cross-court passes usually somehwere near center court…i have watched these guys now for 3-4 years, and they do this 2-3 times a game. I didn’t see McCauley do it yesterday but i’ve seen it and it just makes you scratch your head.

    The other thing that I liked was at the end of the game, its not that Lowe played 3-2 zone to shutdown the Wake guards, but just when wake seemed to be adjusting to it, Lowe switched them back to man-to-man, brilliant. The guy is a great coach in his second year of the toughest conference to play in, hands-down.

  18. Rochester 02/04/2008 at 12:35 PM #

    I love to see the defense change. If you catch the other team offguard you can steal a possession every time you do it, within reason.

  19. eas 02/04/2008 at 1:28 PM #

    Plain and simple….MJ has no shot and cannot dribble (please repeat cannot dribble). Javi has certainly earned his shot and is by far much more capable at this point. MJ is clearly a small forward type player (but a timid one).

    Costner continues to become worse (if thats possible) and makes VERY bad decisions. I hate it for the kid but he shouldn’t be getting many (if any) minutes at this point.

    As for Fergie…I can’t help but like him. He plays hard and can actually contribute. He would be a decent #2 guard with his shot and his defense isn’t bad either. I remember last year, so I am not saying he would be a decent PG (he had a lot of turnover last year) but I do think he has earned a spot in the rotation for a few minutes. He seems to get the team concept pretty well but I know he is limited with his talents. Still, at this point he absolutely deserves more minutes (as does a few others) than Costner. He would serve as a decent back up for Fells or Grant when the rest is needed. Plus, he just plays hard. To bad he is still slow and moves with two left feet….

    Seriously though…Costner is pretty bad at this point. It may be a lost cause at this point. Instead of giving him minutes to try and spark that old flame, maybe he should be limited to bench support. At least one of the others can show some hustle and heart.

  20. Sw0rdf1sh 02/04/2008 at 4:38 PM #

    Sorry Redfred. Everyone needs a break from the norm…I just can’t break my wolfpack dependancy.

    Hope you get some goods in Eastern NC. I’m from Wilmy myself.

    Great Game pack…can’t wait to get home to my tivo.

    Good luck tomorrow!

  21. the_phisherman 02/04/2008 at 5:58 PM #

    I have a few theories about Costner’s play. I think from watching him in the pre-ACC games, it seems like he just doesn’t have the ability to elevate anymore. He would try to take it inside against W&M, UNO, WCU, Pres, etc and get rejected by these scrub teams. Therefore, he knows his lack of elevation on the inside game is not going to work in the tough ACC schedule so he doesn’t play inside. Also, I was very impressed with one position on offense where I watched Costner fight for position in the post for 10-15 seconds and not get a touch. When he finally got the touch, he was immediately double teamed and instead of forcing some really bad shot, he passed the ball back out. Seemed like a good decision to me after expending a lot of energy and effort with no reward. Also, has anyone else noticed that when teams play defense against Costner, they are denying him his left hand and forcing him to go to the right?

  22. ClassOf95 02/04/2008 at 6:22 PM #

    I was at the game and was cheering as loudly as everyone else but…it was good thing that Wake Forest’s shooting was right down there with us. Had this been a “good” team, we would have been walking out with a double-digit loss. Also, where were the students!? No exaggeration, their sections were half empty. There was a lack of fans in general but that was really surprising. I hope that if the first half against Duke wasn’t convincing enough, the final dunk shows our team (and coaches) the importance of crashing the boards. Speaking of the coaches, what was up with the coaches only pow-wows at the top of the key to start the time-outs? And finally, what are the chances that Costner has an actual emotional/mental problem? Like something that has been or needs to be diagnosed and treated? How can anyone seem to go through the motions like he does most of the time in the middle of a game? I feel bad for him.

  23. redfred2 02/04/2008 at 6:54 PM #

    C of 95, I don’t know who or when it was that BB coaches decided to start having their own private meetings during short time out periods rather than coaching their BB players, but it seems to be en vogue nowdays. ” ” did it, maybe not that far out onto the court, but ” ” did do it while he was in Raleigh, it kinda chapped my hide back then too.

  24. Ismael 02/04/2008 at 6:55 PM #

    Here’s what i saw of MJ against Duke and now against Wake…timid…unsure of himself…maybe confused is better. That’s it. He can dribble but against Duke he got killed when he picked up his dribble and then got 2x teamed. He can drive and score, we saw that in the Duke game right before halftime. His problem looks like when he’s going down the court he’s being awfully mechanical about reading the defense AND running the offense AND AND figuring out when a PG is supposed to attack regardless of what offensive set is called. Javi did that and burned the hell out of Paulus and Scheyer and whoever else was guarding him. I can’t tell you how many times he crossed-over paulus and had paulus trailing him to the basket, i was impressed.

    So Lowe pulls Johnson and Javi is in, and when Johnson goes back in towards the end of the first half, he was attacking and driving, so he can do it…i think Javi’s intangible emotion/fire are what give him the edge, i love it…I loved watching Wojo and Corchiani and Archie Miller and Justin Gainey, these guys were unheralded (minus Corchiani) but left their guts on the floor and their heart on their sleeve. Javi reminds me of that, he doesn’t back down, all 6’1″ 160lbs of him.

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