A Solid Senior Send-Off ; Pack Takes Out BC on Senior Night 74-69

On a night where Ben McCauley and Courtney Fells would both put on their Wolfpack jerseys one last time in front of the Wolfpack faithful, the seniors put on an unforgettable show. McCauley and Fells came out blazing, scorching the net going 9 for their first 11. McCauley from the inside; drive, spin, finish. Fells from the outside, catch, release, swish. All cylinders were firing, just as they were supposed to have done all year long. McCauley complimenting Fells, and visa versa. The Seniors built a solid 9 point lead by the half. But that is when adversity struck.

Fells had to leave in the second half with a strained groin, placing the load squarely on senior Ben McCauley, who went about his business as usual. Ben responded with 20 points and 6 boards, and iced the game down the stretch with some key freethrows. It was as if a script had been written, with McCauley playing the lead role. Ben was huge, but maybe an even bigger story was the play of sophomore guard Javi Gonzalez. Javi was everywhere tonight...sinking big shots, distributing the rock, and even holding down one the ACC's best scorers well below his average. Javi was the difference in a game that could've swung either way. Every move Rice made, Javi was in front of him contesting his shots and Rice did not hit a field goal after the 15 minute mark.

A 1-2-1-1 half court trap that Sidney let loose was one of the main reasons Rice never got off...he simply did not have the ball in his hands as much as usual. Add in the fact that Javi Gonzalez was in front of Rice at every turn, and you can see why NC State took this game. It was Gonzalez who's deep 3, followed by a no look pass to McCauley for a slam, topped off by a held ball in which he baited Rice to spin right into him, was the run that really gave State the lift.

Overall State handled the pressure, only committing 9 turnovers, and they out rebounded and out shot the Eagles as they began what they hope is a win streak that they can ride into the tournament.