No. 14 North Carolina State Survives Against Clemson as Offense Struggles

By Anthony Lenahan
Rob Kinnan-USA Today Sports

After upsetting No. 1 Duke, North Carolina State had a let down game and fell to Maryland.  Tonight North Carolina State was able to bounce back from that loss with a win against Clemson.

A weaker team in the ACC, Clemson was able to go on the road to North Carolina State and make them earn a victory.

It took a go ahead basket from Richard Howell with under two minutes left in the game for the Wolfpack to get the victory.

As a team that averages above 80 points a game, the Wolfpack have been unable to reach that mark lately.  Only putting up 66 points tonight, the Wolfpack’s lack of offense may be a cause for concern.

With so much talent on their team and so many scoring options, it’s amazing how they can’t put up their season average night in and night out.

North Carolina State shot 50% from 3-point range, but only managed to shoot 45% from the field.  They are knocking down shots, but they don’t seem to be getting enough shot attempts on offense that would allow them to put up more points.

Clemson took 13 more shots than the Wolfpack and also came down with more offensive rebounds.  A lack of offensive rebounds can cause for less shot attempts, but only nine turnovers should mean a lot more shots than 51.

The Wolfpack once again balanced out their scoring with T.J. Warren leading the team with 21.  Rodney Purvis, Scott Wood, and Howell all chipped in with 11 a piece for the Wolfpack.

Without these four players, the Wolfpack only combined for another 12 points and that just can’t happen if they want to be successful.

Also accumalating for thei lack of scoring was their miserable free throw shooting.  The Wolfpack were just 14-23 from the line.  You can’t afford to leave nine points at the free throw line if you want to win big games.

After a big win against Duke, the Wolfpack looked to be rolling, but now they are showing a lack of intensity in their must win conference games.

The Wolfpack need to pick up their scoring against stronger teams if they want to make a run for the ACC championship.

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