NC State men’s basketball posted a solid record since classes ended of 4-2, bringing it to an overall record of 10-4 and 1-2 in ACC play. These wins were expected victories against UNC-Greensboro, Wake Forest, Citadel and Appalachian State. One of its two losses included a frustrating defeat to (6-7, 0-3 ACC) Clemson. The Wolfpack also came up short in beating No. 8 and undefeated Auburn on the road by a score of 79-73. Despite having two disappointing losses and having some negative takeaways over the break, there are also some positive takeaways.
Turning the ball over has become a problem for the Wolfpack
Since fall classes ended, the Wolfpack averaged 14.17 turnovers per game but averages 12.1 for the season. This is an alarming number due to the fact that NC State is led by a senior point guard Markell Johnson, who came into the season regarded as a top guard in the ACC. Johnson had six turnovers in the loss against Clemson, some of which were in crucial moments down the stretch which killed momentum. Johnson also had five turnovers in the loss against Auburn, but it is not just him who has recently struggled to limit turnovers. Freshman guard Braxton Beverly, who normally takes good care of the ball, had three turnovers against Auburn and redshirt junior D.J. Funderburk had five.
Despite winning against mid-major teams UNCG and App State, the Wolfpack still turned the ball over more than them in both games. The Wolfpack need to take better care of the ball if it hopes to defeat more defensively successful teams in the ACC like Virginia and Louisville.
Markell Johnson struggles at the free-throw line but has three double-doubles
Johnson went 4 for 10 against Auburn, 4 for 11 against App State, and 0 for 3 against Clemson from the free-throw line. As a guard who loves to attack the paint with aggression, Johnson needs to take advantage of the opportunities at the charity strike. To be more successful in close games, the Wolfpack needs to be able to rely on its senior hitting free throws in crunch time.
Despite struggling at the free-throw line and turning the ball over throughout the break, Johnson has picked up production in other facets of the game. Johnson had double-doubles in three consecutive games coming against Auburn, Citadel and App State. Johnson had 17 points and 10 assists against Auburn, a triple-double against Citadel with 11 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds, and 12 points and 11 rebounds against App State.
Funderburk picking up offensive production
Funderburk’s production has picked up production on offense and has averaged 13.17 points since classes ended. Funderburk had an impressive performance against App State, scoring 22 points and grabbing nine boards. He has scored double digits in all games over the break except against UNCG despite not even starting. Funderburk has started to look more comfortable scoring in the paint and is starting to become a reliable scorer for the Wolfpack.
Lack of Bryce was huge reason for loss against Clemson
In the last two games without redshirt senior guard C.J. Bryce, who is out due to concussion protocol, the Wolfpack has struggled overall. Bryce leads the team in points, rebounds and steals per game. Other members of the team stepped up in place of Bryce against App State, but that is expected against a mid-major team. However, they did allow App State to stay close the entire game until the last few minutes.
Against an ACC team, the level of play picks up and not as much will slide. The defense struggled significantly and often left Clemson players wide open, which allowed Clemson to score 81 despite averaging 68 on the year. NC State’s offense was also stagnant, often hoisting up 3s despite going 5 for 21 while posting a below-average field-goal percentage of 44.1%. The team was also out-rebounded 34-30 by a Clemson team that struggles in this category with 33.9 rebounds per game. Being a senior, a great leader and very well-rounded player, NC State needs Bryce if it hopes to consistently win in the competitive ACC.
