The Old Spice Classic is an annual college basketball tournament played over Thanksgiving and the days that follow. The first tournament occurred last year, so it is fairly new. The tournament is played at The Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. I had hoped that NC State got over their playing-time issues to come together as a team and use the fuel from their 2 point loss to New Orleans to come in and represent NC State, not themselves. About a week ago, most of NC State’s fanbase were still pining about that lost to New Orleans. I was with them, but I knew a loss like that would really kick the team in its butt and give them the fuel to take the Old Spice Classic. How about that ‘Pack?
So the first, game versus Rider, started out real slow. And those three pointers that gave Rider the lead at halftime had my concern. Is it just me, or does anyone else notice that State is echoing that “cardiac pack” feel? These close games in the Old Spice Classic could be a foreshadowing of events to come. Or maybe not. I’m not superstitious, but I do notice the coincidences. So State comes out on top of this one, but where was JJ at the start? Coach Lowe said it was because he broke a team policy. Bummer. I guess the team is still learning to mesh together. It is early in the season. Time will tell. Courtney Fells really shined in this game with his 18 points. JJ Hickson had 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks for his 21 minutes of play. While NC State won by 9 points, I still have to point out that State made 68% of free throws. State needs to work on that to an extent. Fells, Degand and Costner had some hot threes, but you can’t rely on those points to win the game. You’ve got to make those free throws!
The next game is versus South Carolina. Costner was on fire this time, with 21 points. Hickson ruled it with 8 rebounds. McCauley’s assists and blocks along with Horner’s steals also helped to rally State, who was down 9 points during the second half. Again, another close game, winning only by two points. I’ve got to give props to Devan Downey of South Carolina, because he was all over the place. He was a test for the State defense. Yes, State defense does need a bit of tweaking, but again, its only the beginning of the season. We’ve waited this long to have a team that is capable of being really really special. Let’s not blow it and get pissed off the second someone does something wrong. (However, if they repeat the same mistakes, its clear that we will be right in our disappointment.) So, after another victory, State improves their record and advances to the championship game versus (19) Villanova.
Gavin Grant said of State’s close victory over Villanova: “I was relieved because we didn’t have to have one of those practices again. After the New Orleans game, we had a track practice. I’m happy for me and my teammates that we don’t have to go through that again.“ Yes, Gavin. That makes two of us. What sealed the deal was the foul on Cunningham that sent Grant to the line for three free throws. I mean, we’re only down by one at that point and all he has to do is make one to send the game to OT. Grant makes two and the lead is ours. However, if you go back and watch that tape of the last 0.4 seconds, watching Villanova almost tap in that ball was very close. I think that is a play that Coach Lowe and his team need to develop, just in case. The game was intense with 6 ties and 18 lead changes. The only thing that really kept upsetting me time and time again was the full-court press that Villanova was executing. How could State put up with it for so long? It resulted in 22 turnovers! I figured after the first 10 would’ve had some bells ringing. Stopping turnovers is also something that the Pack should concentrate on. But a W is a W. Coach Lowe said at the end of the game, “Trying to win ball games, you saw it tonight—we didn’t really care who got it done.“ Go here for video and more.
NC State is (4-1).
on Monday, December 17th
Welcome to New Raleigh. We welcome your participation in the ongoing discussion. Before posting we ask that you read our Comment Policy and we invite you to register with our site. If you want to keep up with the news on our blog, subscribe to the RSS feed or get emailed every time we post.