Lowe: Pack Needs More Than Scoring from Costner

WRALSportsFan

Lowe: Pack Needs More Than Scoring from Costner

Jan 30, 2008

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Brandon Costner led N.C. State in scoring last season, at 16.8 points per game, but has slipped out of the starting lineup this year.

He did not start in the Wolfpack’s win at Florida State on Saturday and missed his only shot in 12 minutes of play.

Costner’s absence was glaring in the stretch as N.C. State went with a lineup built around Ben McCauley and J.J. Hickson. McCauley finished with seven points and four rebounds and Hickson had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

State coach Sidney Lowe, asked what he needs from Costner, said Wednesday, "It's not so much scoring, it's what else is he doing to help the team? Is it double-digit rebounds? If he only gets four shots, can he make two? He doesn't have to get 15 points. But we can't win if he goes one for eight."

Costner is now averaging 9.6 points, fourth on the team.

State plays at Duke on Thursday, and Lowe emphasized that his team must take care of the ball.

He said that’s true not only for the point guards but also for the big men.

"They can't lead us in turnovers,” Lowe said. “If they lead us in turnovers that's not good. They don't handle the ball enough to lead us in turnovers. They can't do that over there."

Another issue for State, of course, will be defending a Duke team that gets up the floor quickly.

"What makes it so tough is they're going to have four guys in the game that can run the floor,” Lowe said. “And three of those guys can shoot the three. They're going to spread you out. Your tendency in transition is to run and defend the paint first. That makes you vulnerable to their three-point shooting."

Most Recent Comments

Lowe is right. We need BC to pay with the intensity that he demonstrated last year. He needs to put whatever issues he has aside and play the ball that we all know he is capable of. If BC steps his game up he has a shot at the NBA. Why would you not play your best game to try and get to that point? If I were in his shoes I would be busting my rear at the opportunity to make that money.

"I would for the Pack to beat Dook but I would be surprised if they keep it within 20 (in the first half)!"

Your opinion is duly noted. Thanks, Deacons.

GOOOO BC!!!!!!!!!

SIT COSTNER.START MCCAULEY!!!!!!!!

I would for the Pack to beat Dook but I would be surprised if they keep it within 20 (in the first half)!

WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan