On the same day that NC State’s Maverick Rowan earned recognition as a member of the ACC’s All-Academic team, the freshman earned an even bigger spot in the hearts of Wolfpackers when he delivered the game winning lay up with 1.1 seconds remaining on Senior Night.
Congratulations @maverickrowan! We couldn't be more excited about the next 3 years! https://t.co/lUYtKMKGPX
— statefansnation (@statefansnation) March 2, 2016
Give Caleb Martin a ton of credit for avoiding panic and giving a look to Cat Barber that shifted the BC defenders and allowed Rowan to become open. The play appeared to be obviously called for Barber, and Boston College was focusing on Barber.
Despite Rowan’s efforts, Cat Barber led the way for the Wolfpack with 24 points. But, as usual, Barber’s offensive efforts were offset by NC State’s inability to play acceptable defense — BC entered Wednesday’s game as the #306 ranked field goal percentage shooting team in college basketball; but, the Eagles still hit 51.7% (15 of 29) in the first half.
The highlights might be fun to watch now…but, the game certainly wasn’t fun for NC State fans who watched the Wolfpack struggle and ultimately get lucky to defeat the Boston College Eagles who remain WINLESS in conference play.,
The Eagles, the first team in ACC history to be 0-17, led by 13 points in the first half and led by seven with 4:45 left in the game.
Gottfried burned through timeouts in the first half as Boston College went on a 33 to 13 run to go up 33-20 at the 3:49 mark in the first half.
“We weren’t playing very well at all,” Gottfried said. “We’d come out of a foul shot and we’d run down the floor and we’d have no idea who we’re guarding.
“You know, things you learn how to do in fifth grade. There’s only five of them and five of us, it’s not like they’re hiding somewhere.”
NC State is now 15-15 overall and 5-12 in the ACC with a weekend match-up at Notre Dame remaining as the last game of the season. State will play rival Wake Forest on Tuesday (yuck) in the ACC Tournament next week. Wake Forest is only 2-16 in the ACC, managing wins against only Boston College and…of course, NC State.
Coach Gottfried talks about Rowan’s game winner here: