NC State Wolfpack vs Miami Hurricanes Basketball Recap

NC State 72, Miami 70

NC State defeated the University of Miami 72-70 in a “must win” for Sidney Lowe’s Wolfpack on NFL Championship Sunday to improve its record to 12-7 overall and 2-3 in the ACC. The game was a celebration of 100 years of Wolfpack basketball and many of the team’s historically premiere players and coaches, honored at halftime, were in attendance.

The Hurricanes, also struggling in conference play, were trying to recover from a 55-53 loss at home to Florida State earlier in the week. A win at the RBC Center in Raleigh would be more than welcomed by Frank Haith’s team, which also entered the game with a 1-3 ACC record.

The Wolfpack led early, holding a 12-4 lead at the first media timeout, but Miami responded with a 17-12 run to take a 21-20 lead with 7:40 remaining in the half. NC State adjusted by concentrating on inside play. Deshawn Painter – a sophomore center who rarely sees much playing time – had two key baskets in 7-0 run that established a 27-21 lead. CJ Williams hit a fadeaway 3-pointer as time expired before the half to give State a 37-30 lead heading to the locker room.

Lowe’s Wolfpack continued to gain momentum through the first minutes of the second half, taking a 17 point lead 55-38 with 12 minutes remaining; but the Hurricanes would not be stopped, and stormed on a 26-9 run to tie the game at 64 with 3:52 left in regulation. Miami led 70-69 with 1:04 remaining, but Tracy Smith grabbed a Ryan Harrow rebound and completed a layup to take the lead for good, and the Wolfpack, after a CJ Williams free throw, came away with the 72-70 victory.

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Richard Howell led the Wolfpack with 17 points and five rebounds. Smith, with strong inside play, had 16 points and seven rebounds. Scott Wood’s 11 and Painter’s 10 points rounded out double-digit scoring for the Wolfpack.

Reggie Johnson had a great game for Miami, scoring 12 of his 20 points in the second half, to add to his 14 rebounds. Malcolm Grant’s 23 led the Hurricanes in points.

At 2-3 in the ACC, Lowe’s Wolfpack is in a five-way tie for sixth place in the conference, and with four of its next five games on the road, will have to show considerable improvement to rise in the standings. Miami’s 1-4 record leaves it alone in 11th place, and must garner some wins quickly to save its season.

By: David Minter
DFN Sports Staff Writer