The more things change, the more they stay the same: NC State men’s basketball suffered a 90-83 loss to Florida State in Tallahassee — likely the final nail in the coffin for the Pack’s NCAA Tournament at-large chances. 

In a must-win game, the Wolfpack (17-11, 9-8 ACC) put on one of its worst defensive showings against the Seminoles’ (15-13, 9-8 ACC) typically middling offense. The Noles’ 90 points are the most NC State has given up in ACC play this year and the second most overall this season. 

While Florida State was effective from all over the floor, they were especially strong in the paint. The Noles torched the red-and-white with 46 points in the paint. Whether it was graduate forward DJ Burns or junior forward Ben Middlebrooks, the Pack couldn’t bother the Noles. The Burns-Middlebrooks duo combined for just four defensive rebounds and one block.

While the Pack shot the ball well, it also presented its own problems with careless turnovers. By the time the final buzzer rang, NC State gave the ball away 14 times. Four different players had multiple turnovers by the end of the game as the entire team looked sloppy throughout the contest. 

Additionally, the Wolfpack failed to spread the ball around. Of the 11 players that checked into the game for NC State, only five managed to score a single point. Most surprisingly, two starters, Burns and graduate guard Michael O’Connell, were among those who never scored. 

Despite the Pack’s struggles on both ends of the floor, it found itself with a chance to seize control of the game in the second half. With 8:31 left in the second half, junior guard Jayden Taylor splashed a 3 to make it a one-possession game. However, the Wolfpack shrunk in the moment as Florida State embarked on a 10-2 run, icing off any hope for a Wolfpack win. 

While the Pack’s overall performance was not up to standard, it did have a few standout performers — Taylor, junior forward Mohamed Diarra and graduate guard Casey Morsell.

Coming off the bench, Taylor turned in one of his most efficient performances of the season. The Butler transfer shot an efficient 7-11 for 24 points. Most importantly, he was 4-6 from deep, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor. Taylor was also one of only three NC State players who didn’t have a negative plus-minus.

Taylor’s performance came from flashy 3s, while Diarra contributed in a more subtle, workman-like way. Diarra snagged nine rebounds, including four on the offensive end, while shooting 6-10 for 13 points. In what has been a difficult season, Diarra stood out in all the best ways.

The Pack also enjoyed a strong day from Morsell. Like Taylor, Morsell was efficient, shooting 8-15 en route to 19 points. He also led the Pack with six assists — the only player with more than two assists for NC State.

After suffering a deflating loss against a team that’s barely above .500, the Pack’s back is against the wall. Heading into the final three games of the regular season, the red-and-white must play its best, most disciplined basketball of the year. Limiting turnovers — something NC State has excelled at for most of the season — will be crucial to that effort.

Next up the Wolfpack will travel to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels on March 2. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m., and the game will be televised on ESPN.