NC State Wolfpack defeat Georgia Tech at buzzer 81-80 in OT

Trevor Lacey does it again.

All season long whenever the NC State Wolfpack has needed a BIG point, Lacey more often than not, has come through. Yesterday, Lacey did it again. This time in sweet 3-point fashion as NC State defeated Georgia Tech 81-80 in overtime.

NC State (13-9, 4-5) on a 3 game losing streak traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion. Tech 1-7 in conference play and 10-10 overall was coming off an unlikely victory after they blew out a very good Miami Hurricane team 70-50 in Coral Gables, Florida.

NC State started the game in great form playing hard-nosed defense and hitting 10 of 15 field goals before going stone cold. The Yellow Jackets cut the lead to six points at 37-31. Tech had 3 straight possessions with a chance to cut the lead even further, but failed to capitalize. Anthony “Cat” Barber, having the best game of his career drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer for his 18th point and a 40-31 halftime lead. Despite the late slump, the Wolfpack still managed to shoot 51.6% for the first half .

Jan 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony

Halftime: NC State 40 – Georgia Tech 31

In the second half, the slump worsened. NC State started 1 for 9 shooting allowing Georgia Tech to trim the lead to one point at 43-42. The Wolfpack recovered and went on a mini 6-0 run stretching the lead back to 7 points at 49-42 before Tech exploded on a 9-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 51-49. From there the game was tight until the end of regulation. With the score tied at 68-68, Tech’s Marcus Georges-Hunt was called for charging as he drove the lane with 4.7 seconds remaining. NC State now had the ball with 1.8 seconds. Lacey received the inbound pass and heaved a half court shot that hit the back of the rim. NC State would play their second overtime game in 6 days.

End of Regulation: NC State 68 – Georgia Tech 68

Jan 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Trevor Lacey (1) shoots the ball against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half at McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

OVERTIME:

For much of overtime, the Yellow Jackets took control and led by as many as 4 points. However, the Wolfpack, resilient all day, clawed back to cut the Tech lead to 2 points at 78-80 after a clutch drive by Lacey for a lay up with just 6.5 seconds left. A quick NC State foul put sophomore forward Quinton Stephens, an 83% foul shooter, at the line with 4.9 seconds. This is the point where everything that could possibly go right for the Wolfpack did. Stephens promptly missed both foul shots and Wolfpack freshman Cody Martin grabbed the rebound (something the Pack had not done well for most of the game). Martin made a quick outlet pass to a streaking Lacey down the middle of the court. Lacey stopped and drained a 3-point shot at least 4 feet behind the line with two defenders in his face. Swish!

Nothing but net.

NC State Wolfpack defeats Georgia Tech at buzzer 81-80 in OT

By A. Zach Williams | Feb 1, 2015