Pack Can't Dig Itself Out of Early Hole; Lose to BC 79-68

The story of a hard fight that falls short is starting to get old as it was the story once again today. The Wolfpack came out cold and flat allowing Boston College to jump out to a big lead that in the end would never be relinquished.

The first half was a story of the offensive boards. Boston College wanted them more than NC State did and it showed. Boston College ended the first half with 16 while the Wolfpack pulled down just 5. The scene at Chestnut Hill was nothing to be proud of: the crowd sparse, the fans quiet, and the play poor. Boston College out-muscled the Pack 42-27 going into the half.

The theme of the second half was adjustments, and no matter who you are, you have to credit Sidney Lowe. He came out with a never before seen line-up of Degand, Fells, Costner, Smith, and McCauley who went to work by shooting 8 for 8 to start the half and taking control of the paint with high-lows and post exchanges. The other adjustment Sidney made was to bring a big to double Tyrese Rice as soon as the ball was inbounded, forcing another player to bring the ball up the floor which for the most part ended up with poor quick shots by players that Boston College really didn't want shooting. State fought all the way back to within 3 at the 11:45 mark, but then McCauley and Smith got into foul trouble and that was the end of that. The Eagles held on and took down the Wolfpack, making State's chances for any postseason even slimmer. The name of the game was rebounding: State couldn't handle the extremely active BC frontcourt who finished the game out-rebounding the Pack 40-24...and 19-10 on the offensive boards.

Lowe and company take on Miami Tuesday at home and hope to change their fortunes before the showdown with the Heels next weekend.

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