NC State defeats Clemson 77 – 74
Just when you thought NC State (14-13, 4-10) was dead and buried. The Wolfpack defeated the Clemson Tigers 77-74 in Raleigh.
If I told you that Anthony “Cat” Barber would be held to 8 points and 1 of 12 shooting for the entire game against a good Clemson team, the consensus would that the Wolfpack would have been run out of PNC Arena in a blowout.
Not so.
Barber, the ACC’s leading scorer at 23.7 points had an off night. No worries. Freshman guard Maverick Rowan came to the rescue and provided CPR signifying that the Pack still has some life in them. The 6’7″ Ft. Lauderdale/Pennsylvania native scored 17 second half points to lift the Wolfpack to victory over the Clemson Tigers.
Clemson, (16-11, 9-6), had to think they were leaving Raleigh with a victory, since the Wolfpack has been reeling of late losing 10 of their last 14 games. With 13 of his 16 points in the first half, Caleb Martin kept the team afloat early. Then in the second half Rowan took over. Abdul-Malik Abu supplied the muscle (16 rebounds) and points (17) with an outstanding overall game.
Incredibly, the team withstood a good effort by a Clemson team that has shocked more than a few teams this season. No question about it, this was a BAD loss for the Tigers. NC State with little hope of seeing post-season tournament play, is still playing hard and aggressive.
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The hope is to finish strong and have something to build upon for next season. Then there is the upcoming ACC tournament…so you never know. Unfortunately, there is still no official word on the return of injured transfer guard Terry Henderson, though at this point you almost rather him not risk re-injury.
Jaron Blossomgame scored 33 points and Sidy Djitte had 12 points and 8 rebounds to lead the Tigers.
Anthony Barber–8 points
Maverick Rowan–20 points
Malik-Abdul Abu– 17 points, 16 rebounds
Caleb Martin –16 points
UP NEXT: #5 North Carolina (22-5, 11-3)
When: Wednesday, February 24, @ 8:00 PM
Where: PNC Arena