Last night NC State and Miami fought tooth and nail at PNC Arena. This was a very close and intense game for both teams – even down to the last second. But in the end Miami finished scoring seven unanswered points and made all three free throws – putting them up by a point with three seconds left and winning the game, 77-76.
Both teams started the game very competitively. The Wolfpack utilized three-point shooting, with freshman guard Matt Able scoring 15 points in the first half, including 5-for-6 from the floor and 3-for-3 from three- putting NC State in the lead at halftime, 42-37. Ā Defensively, senior forward Van Allen Lubin blocked multiple shots against Miami – scoring nine points in the first half and securing nine rebounds.Ā
After halftime things started to get heated between Miamiās bench and NC State players on the court. With about five minutes left in the second half both teams were neck-and-neck and a loose ball was live near midcourt. Wolfpack forward Darrion Williams and Miami’s Tre Donaldson both dove for the ball. While struggling for the ball one of Miamiās players got tangled up with Williams, causing Williams to lunge towards him and Miamiās bench started moving towards the court. The crowd took offense to the technical foul against Williams and started chanting a couple of words at Miami. With the energy the fans were giving, NC State went on an 11-0 run, which gave them a seven-point lead with a minute left of the contest.Ā
Despite the seven point cushion the Wolfpack couldnāt close out the game. Miami started full-court pressing, forcing turnovers, making three point plays and driving towards the basket – cutting it to a two point game, 76-74. With 13 seconds left senior guard Quadir Copeland missed a free throw, which wouldāve put NC State in a position to still win the game. Then in the final seconds Williams fouled on a three point attempt, which gave Miami the opportunity to close to game. Tre Donaldson drained all three free throw shots, securing the 77-76 Hurricanes win.
Will Wade didn’t hold back in his post game press conference.
“We have no identity,” he exclaimed. “That’s and indictment on this guy, right here,” he continued pointing at himself. “We have no identity outside of making jump shots and that’s a bad way to have to play. We gave up 26 offensive rebounds to Pittsburgh. We gave up 20 offensive rebounds today. Tuesday they’ll be able to pick how many offensive rebounds they get. It’s a tough way to play.”
āWe didnāt execute. When you donāt execute, you deserve the results that you get.ā
The next game for the Wolfpack will be on Tuesday against rival UNC at PNC Arena at 7 pm.
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