NC State Wolfpack vs San Diego Torres Basketball Recap

NC State 76, San Diego 54

In a noon tip-off on New Year’s Day, NC State (9-4) defeated San Diego (3-11). The Wolfpack’s victory was highlighted by the return of forward Tracy Scott, sidelined for 10 games after left knee surgery.

Sydney Lowe’s squad went 6 and 4 during Smith’s absence, losing key non-conference games against Georgetown, Wisconsin, Syracuse, and Arizona. Even in their victories against Youngstown State and Delaware State the Wolfpack appeared shaky, so the return of the pre-season all-conference pick was a welcome relief.

The Wolfpack led 43-25 at halftime after a 22-9 run. Senior center Tracy Smith, last season’s team leader in scoring and rebounds for the Pack, had 12 points in 12 first-half minutes. Richard Howell had 10 rebounds for Sidney Lowe’s squad. The Toreros shot only 35% in the first-half.

NC State was able to coast in the second half, finishing the game shooting 55% from the field with 44 rebounds, versus 34% shooting and 22 rebounds for the Toreros.

> Check out a great selection of NC State Apparel & Merchandise!

Tracy Smith looked comfortable for the Wolfpack, leading all scorers with 16 points, four rebounds, and a block in 25 minutes. Forward Richard Howell had an impressive performance with 13 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Guards Lorenzo Brown and Ryan Harrow had 14 and 12 points respectively. Center DeShawn Painter had eight points and six rebounds to round out top scorers for NC State. 46 of the Wolfpack’s 76 points came in the paint.

San Diego’s guard Devin Ginty was their leading scorer with 10 points. Darian Norris and Matt Dorr had eight points each, Jordan Mackie with seven points, and Ken Rancifer and Cameron Miles with six points each rounded out top scorers for the road-weary Toreros who missed a number of easy baskets, hitting a paltry 20 of 59 shots from the field.

The rejuvenated Wolfpack played well and looked comfortable with its return to a familiar lineup, moving the ball in and out of the post, and screening blocks both inside and outside. Smith’s 25 minutes were more than Lowe had planned for a player that had not seen game time for six weeks, but in the end, Smith was able to show full effort on both ends of the floor against a weak opponent, playing aggressive defense and powerful offense, and even drawing a charge during the game.

By: David Minter
DFN Sports Staff Writer