Wolfpack defeats Georgia Tech 82-76

Game overview:

It was a game that North Carolina State had to win against Georgia Tech.

Having Michael O'Connell in the starting lineup for the last two games has definitely helped the guards improve their scoring ability, especially Jaden Taylor, who has scored in double digits in the last two games, including tonight's 21. It was his third 20-point game of the season.

The adjustments we made at halftime were effective. He played better defense in the second half, making 16 fast-break points and taking five fewer 3-pointers, instead putting the ball inside the paint and scoring 24 points.

We're just past the halfway point in ACC play. There are nine games left in the regular season, and they must win almost all of them to qualify for the tournament. Two of his next three are his best chances left for a Q1 win. Wait a minute, this is going to be a tough road.

Overall takeaway:

• The puck had just four turnovers, tying a season high.
• 14 assists on 26 field goals (53.8%)
• Tech is a big team and rebounds well, ranking third in the league in rebounds and offensive rebounds. We outscored them 13-11 on the offensive end and he outscored them by five (47-42) in overall rebounds.
• He made 9 of 10 free throws in the remaining two minutes to decide the game.

Keats's comment

I fell in love with the 3PT shot in the first half.

In the second half, we focused on how to move the ball. (9 assists on 16 baskets, 24 points in the paint, shooting percentage 44.4% vs. 30% in the first half)

We played better defense in the second half.

If Casey hadn't made that mistake on the inbounds pass, the turnovers would have been the lowest this season.

Individual highlights

• DJ Burns had his second double-digit rebound game this season and first since December 12th.
• The team rebounded well, with Burns 10, Taylor & O'Connell 7, Middlebrooks 6, and Horn & Diarra 5.

box score