Clemson

For the Clemson approach to this article, please go here. It is there you will find a thoroughly entertaining take on this game. Clemson was (1-0) in ACC play coming into this game. Maybe their performance against Liberty would show up, but this time with the 5 point difference not in their favor. At any rate, no one is getting a check for this game. This is the only time that the Pack play Clemson in the regular season. Hopefully Fells, McCauley, Costner, Smith, Degand, Harris and any other participating Pack players will step it up to the nth degree. There was rumor of Ferguson’s return, along with Gonzalez. Coach Lowe said that “We need all of our pieces, we need all of our guys. We need Trevor back. We need Javi back, and certainly the teams we’re playing against and the way we would like to play, we need to keep fresh bodies. Having those guys in there certainly would help us.”

Have “those guys” they did, but help, it did not. The Tigers Liberty performance didn’t show up, but that didn’t matter. The Pack suffered a 12 point loss, 51-63. Grant it, its lowest scoring game for Clemson and their (at this point) perrrfect record. Booker dropped a Jackson and some Washingtons on the much befuddled Pack. No one from the Pack came correct. No one! The only highlight was when the Pack tied it. I mean, how do you score 12 points in two minutes and not do anything for the rest of the game? In fact, if they had closed the second half they way they opened it, the Pack could’ve sent this game into overtime. But alas, we’re not venturing far from that basement we spent all summer in. Woopee. At this point, Geogia Tech and UNC (what?!) are our company.

NC State is (9-4, 0-1)

Florida State

A Letter from The Rog and its replies

Hey Vince,
I just saw the score. Any feedback is appreciated.
Rog

Rog,
Its apparent now, probably more so than usual, that State needs some serious work on making some shots and reading their defense. They got the ball knocked away from them so much that I was losing my mind. And how they didn’t score in almost 5 minutes to close the game is just embarassing.
Your prediction of a 6-10 conference record sounds real generous right now. I just can’t believe we are in a three-way tie for last place in the ACC with Georgia Tech and North Carolina. I mean, why can’t our players have good nights together? Where’s the Costner from Marquette or Florida, the Smith from Towson, the Fells from High Point, the McCauley from ECU or the Ferguson from Lipscomb? As far as guard play, it’s consistent all across the board. Too bad their production is pretty low. Mays was looking good though. So what happens now? What do we do? Do we hope that the versions of the players I mentioned above come together like team of budding supermen?
Let’s hope so, because I’m tired of saying how hard it is to be a fan of the Wolfpack. Most people from work are UNC fans and that’s usually annoying to deal with. But lately, it’s been nice to have our pedestal-placed rivals hanging out with us in the basement. At least we’re someone’s reality check. But we’re in serious need of our own. Losing by 13? Ugh.
Vince

Vince,
Did you hear about Gavin Grant’s latest troubles? Man, it just the beginning of the week.
Rog

Rog,
I did. At least he’s not making us any promises. Did you hear about Derrick Favors? Too bad he didn’t pick State. He went with GT. He’s probably a one-and-done anyway. We’ll see how they like having a JJ. Some people are talking about the fact that getting Favors would secure Coach Lowe’s job. I don’t get that at all. He’s got a good number of recruits in wing. Let’s just hope we get them! Anyway, cross your fingers for Saturday. GT is now 0-3 in the ACC. They are going to want that road win. We need to stop them and get our first ACC win.
Vince

NC State is (9-5, 0-2)

Georgia Tech

A sweet matchup between the teams who, at this point, are on the ass end of an ass kicking contest in the ACC. Being down at the half? A laugh! Costner with 22, McCauley with 15, Ferguson with 11 and Horner coming correct with 6 of his 8 on the day in 90 seconds? In overtime? Wow. I was unable to attend this game, as I was in the midst of traveling with some tight dawgs, but thankfully calls from Big B, my brother and my special lady kept me informed. Let’s just hope we can come correct in Atlanta on Valentine’s Day. Those stingers will be waiting for us. Also, take note how how Iminu was neutralized for the most part. Let’s just hope that we can take care of Iminu’s brother and his friends. That would be the bee’s knees.

NC State is (10-5, 1-2)

Duke

Scoring 1 point in the last 5 minutes (just like FSU and Clemson) might help in explain why the Pack are still hanging in the basement. However, the way Duke came out, you would think that Duke didn’t know the Pack were in the basement. I’ve watched several Duke games this season and the way they came out, defensively speaking, was above the norm for them. Sure, Duke’s Coach K prides himself on defensive play, but I haven’t seen this Duke team all season. They went straight for the mouth.

Brandon Costner and Ben McCauley both scored 15 points for the Wolfpack. They were up most of the game. The Pack were hanging in there, as McCauley eloquently puts its: “We were in it, and we couldn’t close it. We had them where we wanted them, and guys were playing tremendous basketball. ... Unfortunately, guys that were in the end couldn’t come through.”

Yes, that’s a good way of looking at it. Duke more than doubled what they scored in the first half. Meanwhile, State is playing consistent halves. Maybe the defense could kick it up a notch? Or maybe make a few more shots on the inside? Maybe we could’ve fouled out Singler, possibly taking the wind out of Duke’s massive sails to the point where we could close a game in Cameron? Oh no, that just sounds like way too much to ask. Oh, and the turnover situation probably didn’t help either. Ay yi yi.

NC State is (10-6, 1-3)

A closing thought: The Pack will be at BC next, who also beat GT in OT two nights ago. State lost there last year in February. Maybe January will be different? You know its my birthday today, Pack. Get me something good! Then some games against Miami and UNC. Awwwwww…..... damn. And NC Central. Home games, dawgs: Win ‘em.  GO PACK!