WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina State University

NC State defeats Maryland 79-74

Jan 8, 2012

Raleigh, N.C. — NC State defeated Maryland 79-74 to open ACC play Sunday. 

ACC action is in full swing tonight at the RBC Center, as NC State has taken a 36-30 lead against Maryland into the halftime break.

In a game that featured a few runs, it was the Wolfpack who had the last spurt of the half to take the lead. After Maryland jumped out to a 6-2 early lead, NCSU went on a 14-3 run, spurred by a couple of big baskets from junior Scott Wood.

Maryland and the Wolfpack went back and forth for the remainder of the half. In fact the game was knotted up at 30 apiece with two minutes remaining. However, a 6-0 spurt by NCSU to end the half gave the Wolfpack the margin.

NCSU is led in scoring by 12 points from CJ Leslie.

GAME NOTES: ACC action tips off on this Sunday with a battle of streaking teams, as the Maryland Terrapins head to the RBC Center in Raleigh to take on the NC State Wolfpack.

After starting the year 3-3, Maryland has won seven consecutive games. The Terrapins started the streak with an impressive triumph against Notre Dame, 78-71, and culminated the run with a 70-62 win versus Cornell on Tuesday.

NC State's season has also been highlighted by streaks. The Wolfpack opened the season at 3-0 before losing four of its next seven. Since losing to national powerhouse Syracuse 88-72 on December 17, however, NC State has won five in a row, its latest victory coming in blowout fashion against Delaware State, 78-44 on Wednesday.

This game marks the 149th meeting between these ACC rivals. Maryland holds a slight edge, 76-72. The Terps have had the advantage of late, winning nine straight decisions, including last season's first-round ACC Tournament matchup in Greensboro, 75-67.

Maryland is led by its sophomore standout Terrell Stoglin. Stoglin has established himself to be a proven scorer as he currently leads the ACC with 21.2 ppg. Stoglin has scored 20 or more points in nine games and has gone over 30 twice. His three-point field goal percentage is third in the league, as he is knocking down treys at a 41.7 percent rate. Sean Mosley averages 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, and led the Terps in the win over Cornell, connecting on 6-of-9 total shots, including 2-of-4 three pointers for 19 points. Freshman center Alex Len had missed the first 10 games due to eligibility issues but was finally able to suit up on December 28 against Albany. Len has proven to be a factor in the middle, averaging 14 points, eight rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in his first three games.

NC State's offense has been potent all year, averaging 77.3 ppg to rank third in the conference behind North Carolina and Duke. The Wolfpack possess an incredibly balanced scoring attack, with five players averaging at least 12 ppg. Pushing to the front of the pack is forward C.J. Leslie, who nets 13 ppg and also leads the team in blocks with 2.3 per contest. Lorenzo Brown chips in 12.5 ppg and is second in the ACC in assists with 6.7 per outing, while leading the league in steals per game with 1.9. Richard Howell is tied for second in the conference in rebounding with 9.9 per game and has posted a double-double in each of the last four games, including a 14-point, 14-rebound effort in the win over Delaware State on Wednesday. Howell is trying to become the first NC State player to record five consecutive double-doubles since Kenny Carr accomplished the feat during the 1976-77 season.

It's tough to ask for a more evenly-matched game to open the ACC slate. The more high-powered offense and the home crowd gives the Wolf Pack the slight edge.

GAME NOTES: ACC action tips off on this Sunday with a battle of streaking teams, as the Maryland Terrapins head to the RBC Center in Raleigh to take on the NC State Wolfpack.

Fact Stats
FACTS & STATS: Site: RBC Center (19,722) -- Raleigh, North Carolina. Television: ESPNU. Home Record: Maryland 8-1, NC State 9-2. Away Record: Maryland 0-0, NC State 1-1. Neutral Record: Maryland 2-2, NC State 1-1. Conference Record: Maryland 0-0, NC State 0-0. Series Record: Maryland leads, 76-72.

Game Date and Time
Sunday, January 8th, 6:00 p.m. (et)

Predicted Outcome
NC State 78, Maryland 76

 

• Web Editor: Erin Summers