Boston Stronger: NC State Wolfpack falls to BC 79-63

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Fool me once…

Just when the NC State Wolfpack faithful figured it was safe to breathe a little easier and wade back into NCAA waters, this 2014-15 Wolfpack team had other ideas.   As if seeking another challenge, the team played an inexplicably horrid game in losing to the Boston College Eagles 79-63 at Silvio Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Honestly, I don’t know what to make of this team. One game they appear to be championship caliber, then the next…well they lose to a Boston College team that was on a nine game losing streak.   Boston College (10-18, 2-14) crushed a confident Wolfpack team coming off 3-game win streak and a 12 point road win at North Carolina last week.

“We had no zip, no energy…we were dead,” was an accurate assessment by NC State coach Mark Gottfried of his team’s play yesterday.  With everything to play for and so much to gain, the Wolfpack laid an egg.  Not just any egg, but a golden one.  Thanks to Spring Break and a poor record (only 4,165 in attendance), the Wolfpack faced a struggling opponent who had little student support, cheerleaders or school band on hand, but sadly State could not even make the game competitive.  Behind BC’s Oliver Hanlan and his 24 points, the Eagles surged to a 43-26 halftime lead.  The lead grew larger in the second half to as many as 23 points.  The closest the Pack would get would be 12 points at 54-66 with 3 ½ minutes remaining.

Redshirt junior Trevor Lacey said,”We didn’t defend them as well as we should have and didn’t make any shots. There’s really no explanation for it.”  Yep, right again.  There was no explanation for it, nor are there any excuses. Coaches and players have to take the blame for this one.

More from North Carolina State Wolfpack

NC State (17-12, 8-8) just a few weeks ago was IN the NCAA tournament hunt, then OUT, then back IN after defeating Louisville and UNC, now appears to be possibly OUT again with 2 games remaining in the regular season.  With games at Clemson and home against Syracuse who knows what Wolfpack team will show up.

If only the Pack could have back this game, Wofford and Wake Forest.

Feb 28, 2015; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles forward Aaron Brown (22) controls the ball while North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Ralston Turner (22) defends during the second half at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

FINAL: Boston College 79 – NC State 63

QUICK STATS:

Trevor Lacey- 12 points, 4 rebounds

Ralston Turner- 13 points, 3 rebounds

Anthony “Cat” Barber- 8 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals

Kyle Washington -14 points, 7 rebounds

Abdul-Malik Abu- 10 points, 5 rebounds

Notables:

  • NC State shot 32.8% for the game
  • NC State shot 6 of 22 for 27.3% for the game
  • NC State never led
  • 4,165 in attendance

UP NEXT:  at Clemson

March 2, 2015 @ 9:00pm

Where:  Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC

TV: ESPN3