The NC State Wolfpack saw their losing skid grow to three games as they were dominated by the host Florida State Seminoles 105-73 in Tallahassee Wednesday evening.
Both teams traded three-point baskets to open the game as Cole Hellems connected on both for the Wolfpack. Hellems scored 8 of the first 9 points for the Wolfpack, but NC State found themselves trailing 13-9 at the first media timeout. Things went south for the Wolfpack from there.
A technical foul on DJ Funderburk led to two free throws from FSU, extending their lead to 17-11. Hellems added a jumper inside the arc to stop a 6-0 FSU run, but the Seminoles remained hot – forcing Kevin Keatts to call a timeout with 12:12 left in the half with the Wolfpack trailing 24-13.
The Seminoles looked nothing like a team that was playing for the first time in 15 days as their lead exploded to 30-15 before another three from FSU forced Keatts into another timeout with 8:32 left with FSU lead 33-15. The FSU dominance continued as the Seminoles took a 57-32 lead into the half. FSU shot a blistering 71% from the floor and 70% from beyond the arc.
The onslaught continued as FSU’s lead quickly grew to 29 at 66-37. Scottie Barnes left the game with a slight ankle injury, but his absence would do no harm to the Seminoles lead as it remained above 25 for the majority of the half, particularly at 83-56 with 8:46 left in the game. FSU’s hot shooting never cooled as the Seminoles lead grew to 101-69 before closing out the game with a 105-73 win.
FSU shot a program-best 70.7 percent from the floor for the game, including 12-18 from beyond the arc. NC State shot near their average at 44 percent. The Wolfpack, who were without forward Manny Bates, due to injury, were out-rebounded 32-19.
RayQuan Evans led all scorers with 24 points for the Seminoles. M.J. Walker followed with 19 points as four Seminoles finished in double figures. Thomas Allen led the Wolfpack with a season-high 16 points, while Devon Daniels and Hellems followed with 14 and 12 respectively.
NC State returns to action Saturday as they host Georgia Tech. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm inside PNC Arena.
