John Joyner
N.C. State sophomore forward T.J. Warren drives around App State freshman guard Ty Toney during the season opening game between N.C. State and Appalachian State University in PNC Arena Friday, Nov. 8, 2013. The Wolfpack defeated the Mountaineers 98-77. Photo by John Joyner.
N.C. State used a 29-6 run in the second half to pull away from Appalachian State, beating the Mountaineers 98-77 on Friday night at PNC Arena.
The Wolfpack’s (1-0) defense created 15 turnovers and rebounded well against the Mountaineers (0-1). Head coach Mark Gottfried said the Pack’s defense gave its offense easy scoring opportunities.
“Our defense helped our offense turn it up,” Gottfried said. “We were able to get some easy baskets and get out and run.”
The Wolfpack’s offense was extremely efficient, shooting 61.9 percent against App State on Friday. Sophomore forward T.J. Warren led the Wolfpack with 27 points on 65 percent shooting. Warren also corralled eight rebounds and three steals to round off a complete performance from the sophomore.
Freshman point guard Anthony “Cat” Barber also had a great game, scoring 13 points and dishing out six assists. After being fouled hard on a layup attempt in the first half, Barber totaled nine points and five assists in the second half.
Gottfried said that the foul on Barber sparked the freshman’s performance in the second half.
“Cat is a tough, competitive guy,” Gottfried said. “I think it [the foul] kind of got the juices going for everybody. That was a hard foul. That was a really tough play. He bounced back and did really well.”
Barber said that he was not happy with the way he was fouled.
“I was kind of mad,” Barber said. “But I just wanted to show that I’m tough so I got up and fought through it.”
Another N.C. State player making his competitive debut was junior guard Desmond Lee. Lee scored 24 points on 83 percent shooting against the Mountaineers. Lee was also a perfect 3-3 from the free throw line and snatched two steals.
Gottfried said Lee’s effort on both ends of the floor gave the Pack the spark it needed to pull past the pesky Mountaineers.
“He had a great start, and it always helps your confidence when you start the game well,” Gottfried said. “I liked his toughness defensively too. Desmond fights through screens, doesn’t mind contact and will stay with the play. He had a great game on both ends of the floor.”
Lee also earned praise from his teammates. Sophomore guard Tyler Lewis said that the junior helped fill the void left by junior guard Ralston Turner, who was in foul trouble throughout the game.
“Dez stepped up tonight, especially when Ralston [Turner] got in early foul trouble,” Lewis said. “Having Dez step up and play really well was helpful for the team.”
Lewis was one of four Wolfpack players to score in double figures on Friday night. The Statesville native scored 15 points to go with six assists and a steal.
Lewis also provided the highlight of the night, a jaw dropping behind the back, no-look pass to Warren, who finished the play with an easy layup.
Barber said that Lewis’ passing abilities are unbelievable.
“Tyler is a great passer, one of the greatest passers I’ve ever seen,” Barber said. “He just knows where to find players at.”
Lewis, Barber and Lee were part of a three-guard offensive set that sparked the Wolfpack’s 29-6 run in the second half. Gottfried said that the offense benefits from having three athletic, attack-minded guards.
“We’re small when we run that lineup,” Gottfried said. “When you have Tyler, Cat and Dez who are three guards who penetrate well, your hope is that someone gains an advantage where we can really attack the basket off the dribble.”
“That group might be able to give us some versatility to really attack the basket, spread the floor and take guys off the dribble.”