NC State trounces Mizzou 73-59
NC State basketball got a big win against a major conference foe when they visited Missouri.
Tonight at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo., NC State (8-3) defeated home team Missouri (5-5) 73-59.
The Wolfpack began the game with low energy and looked lethargic, as a the Tigers jumped out to a 19-9 lead after beginning slowly themselves. Missouri was able to get out of its funk early in the first half while the Pack went 4 minutes without scoring, enabling Mizzou to inch their way to a comfortable 10-point lead.
Demonstrably upset and engaged, NC state head coach Mark Gottfried jumped on his team early and often in an attempt to motivate and encourage execution. Junior guard, Anthony “Cat” Barber got the message. Sensing his team needed some punch, Barber pretty much took control and led his team back by scoring 19 first half points. The final three came in the form of a dagger as Barber drained a three-pointer at the buzzer giving the Wolfpack their first lead of the game. While unknown at the time, that final shot would set the stage for an aggressive and confident Wolfpack team in the second half.
HALFTIME: NC State 29 – Missouri 28
Dec 19, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers guard
Wes Clark(15) shoots a layup as North Carolina State Wolfpack guard
Cody Martin(15) and forward
Abdul-Malik Abu(0) defend during the second half at Mizzou Arena. North Carolina State won 73-59. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The second half picked up where the first ended, with NC State more aggressive and playing well defensively. Offensively, Barber had more assistance and did not have to carry the load as much since Abdul-Malik Abu and freshman Maverick Rowan scored from inside and out.
By the 9:10 mark, the Wolfpack had seized complete control of the game when Rowan’s 3-pointer opened up a 57-42 lead, which was the largest at that time. The Pack would never let up and the lead would eventually grow to 20 points.
The victory was the 4th straight since the Wolfpack’s disappointing 66-59 loss to Michigan in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The win also handed Missouri it’s first home court loss and gave Mark Gottfried his 100th victory in 155 games as NC State head coach.
Lastly, the Wolfpack was able to avenge the 68-64 loss to the then 25th ranked Tigers at PNC arena in 2013.
FINAL: NC State 73 – Missouri 59
Anthony “Cat” Barber- 33 pts, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Abdul-Malik Abu-13 pts, 11 rebounds
Maverick Rowan- 12 pts, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
- NC State out-rebounded Missouri 41-29
- NC State (4 blocks & 4 steals)
- NC State 11-points off turnovers
Next: All Time Carolina Panthers Team
UP NEXT: UNC-Greensboro (4-7)
When: December 22, 2015
Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC
Time: 7:00pm
TV: ESPN 3