Improving NC State Wolfpack moves to 6-0

NC State Wolfpack Basketball is off to a great start as they remain undefeated posting a 6-0 record. After playing 3 games in six days the Wolfpack made the best of their holiday schedule by building on early success and continuing to get better. The team, led behind a solid core of young veterans and a mix of freshman talent, seem to have good chemistry. The blue-collar workhorse trio of BeeJay Anya, Kyle Washington and Lennard Freeman show up with their lunch pail in hand and hard hat on every game.

This is the core of the team. So long as they come to play each game, the Pack will be okay. The other parts, and there are many of them, are interchangeable. The engine is represented by Anthony “Cat” Barber and transfer Trevor Lacey. Thus far, the two have shown that they can handle the offensive responsibilities and scoring if needed. Ralston Turner provides outside threat capability and the versatility of Desmond Lee is invaluable. So far freshmen Caleb Martin and Abdul-Malik Abu have performed well adding depth that is sure to come in handy once conference play begins.

Nov 26, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Trevor Lacey Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA Today.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

NC State holds off a pesky South Florida team to win a close one 68-65 at home in front of 15,157. Though State led the entire game, the Bulls hung close throughout trailing 29-33 at the half. NC State’s largest lead was 11 points late in the second half, but late struggles to make free throws allowed South Florida to creep closer. State survived handing the previously undefeated Bulls their first loss of the season. Trevor Lacey led the Wolfpack with 21 pts., 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Wednesday November 26, 2014

This pre-Thanksgiving feast provided plenty of action and excitement for the 14, 520 fans who showed up at PNC Arena to see the Pack defeat the Richmond Spiders 84-72. Redshirt junior Trevor Lacey scored a career high 26 points in leading the Wolfpack past the the Colonial Conference team. Senior Ralston Turner added 23 pts. in a game that featured 29 lead changes before the Pack was finally able to pull away. BeeJay Anya had 4 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Teammates Lennard Freeman and Kyle Washington had 9 and 5 rebounds respectively.

Friday, November 28, 2014

NC State defeated Boise State 60-54 improving to 6-0 for the first time in 10 years. The game, like the previous six (excluding the exhibition against Queens University) was again played in the friendly confines of PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Though the Pack led by 10 pts. at the half, Boise State offered a stiff test for the Wolfpack as the Broncos led by as much as 5 pts. early on and kept the game close. There were 3 ties and as many lead changes before State broke it open to lead by 15 at the 16:22 mark of the second half. Ralston Turner and Trevor Lacey led the Pack in scoring with 14 pts. each and Cat Barber added 10. Attendance was 15,439.