Wolfpack Still Looking for Complete Game

WRALSportsFan

Wolfpack Still Looking for Complete Game

By Langdon Morris

Jan 7, 2008

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Gavin Grant didn’t understand the reason for concern.

As Grant was bombarded with questions about what was wrong with his 10-3 N.C. State team after a 50-43 win over Presbyterian Saturday, a 1-18 team in its first year of Division I competition; he seemed content with the win, and upset at the concern.

“We are on a six-game win streak, right?” Grant asked sarcastically. “I thought we lost six games.”

Many State fans are concerned, however, as the Wolfpack has failed to beat more one team by more than 20 points in the six-game winning streak, against competition that was supposed to be cupcakes on paper.

The Wolfpack plays at home Wednesday against N.C. Central and then plays at North Carolina Saturday.

Grant said that although State is confident heading into ACC play this week, it has yet to put together a complete game, citing the Presbyterian win as an example.

“We’ve had some good games, some good moments,” Grant said. “[But] we haven’t put it together 40 minutes yet. I think we’re heading in the right direction. Games like this are going to happen. We played a tough team that knew what they were doing. They executed well and kept it a low scoring game. But we were able to win.”

Grant insisted that there “isn’t anything wrong with team chemistry” as he had suggested “team issues” after the Pack’s 65-63 loss to New Orleans. Instead, he feels the Pack is finding a way to win, which is all that’s important.

“A win is a win,” Grant said. “It doesn’t matter who scores, who does what, as long as at the end of the game we get a win in the win column. That’s all that matters.”

Junior guard Courtney Fells agreed that the Pack has lacked energy for a full game throughout the season, and said he hopes the Pack can fix that problem heading into the ACC.

According to Fells, the Pack has particularly lacked energy at the start of games, thus digging itself in a hole and forcing itself into second-half comebacks.

The Pack has trailed at the half against Rider, South Carolina, Michigan State, Western Carolina and Presbyterian this season. State has also scored less than 20 points in the first half twice this season, against Michigan State and Presbyterian.

“No matter who we’re playing, whether it is Presbyterian or Carolina next week, we have to be able to come out and play with energy in the game,” Fells said.

After the Presbyterian win, coach Sidney Lowe said he thinks his team will “make the adjustments to have that energy early.”

“I’m not concerned about it but it’s certainly something that we need to be better at,” Lowe said. “I know our ball club and I think I know somewhat what we’re going through with those starts; but I think we’re going to get to the point where we’re ready and we get off to good starts.”

Lowe is hoping his boys get a good start against North Carolina Central on Wednesday.

State fans are probably more concerned about Saturday.

Most Recent Comments

State fans; give it up. You know you're lousy. If you don't believe, please be sure to watch Saturday @ noon. You'll then become a believer.

"We got a few others, too (added depth), and at least two point guards to replace Atsur."

Don't forget Tracy Smith. If we didn't already have so many big forwards/centers, he'd be getting a lot more play time. He's been impressive the few minutes he played, except for free-throws, which have been horrendous. He was a four-star recruit.

I think Terry Gannon would be a better coach.

Wow...I just watched the replay (noon FSN) of the UNC-Clemson game. I missed it Sat. nite. Clemson is for real. That Booker is a man. They reminded me of Mich State...sorry TBK to bring that up. But, they will not fold like last year, and may break the 50 yr jinx at Dean Dome. They gave Tyler fits. Like MSU, they are extremely physical, and will give State, and others, huge problems to deal with. I am impressed with their coach. I am glad the refs let them play...that will be their only weakness if the game is called tight.

I would give you a dollar, but you probably would spend it on a beer instead of a clue. :)

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