The Wolfpack had no problem on Saturday afternoon, as it defeated the Western Carolina Catamounts 82-55 for the team’s fourth straight victory. Unselfish play led to 25 assists off of 30 field goals for the Red Terrors, who average over 17 assists per game. Nine Wolfpack players scored, five of which reached double figures for the first time since State played Duke at the RBC Center last season.

The Pack exploded out of the first media timeout following a slow start for both teams, who were a combined 0-for-9 from the field in the first 4:23 of gameplay.  With the entire starting lineup contributing to the score, State quickly built a double-digit early on after senior guard C.J . Williams drained a three pointer assisted by sophomore guard Lorenzo Brown.

The Catamounts clawed right back into the game with a pair of three-pointers from Western Carolina guards Trey Sumler and Brandon Boggs, forcing the Wolfpack to call a timeout while still leading 19-13.  Out of the timeout, State hit six of seven field goal attempts on six assists, building its lead up to 34-15.

Following a full timeout, Western struggled to keep up from that point on as the Wolfpack continued to increase its lead through the end of the half. C.J . Williams was fouled on a monstrous dunk with 41.6 seconds remaining in the half that defined the first 30 minutes for both teams.  NCSU had seven scorers in the first half alone, closing with a comfortable 47-24 lead.

The Wolfpack didn’t look back from there. The team picked up right where it left off, opening the second half on a 9-0 run, extending its lead to 56-24.  State continued to build its lead to 41 with just over seven minutes remaining before the Catamounts put together one final run to salvage the game, pulling within 27 before the final buzzer.

What may have been even more important than the Pack’s impressive assist-to-field goal ratio was its defensive pressure. The hard pressing defense helped lead the team to a total of 34 fast break points. Along with the defense, Pack head coach Mark Gottfried gave much of the credit to junior forward Richard Howell, who had his third straight double-double tonight.

“Today, I thought we did a great job of making good decisions in the break,” Gottfried said.  “We really ran the floor and a lot of times the reason we’re getting out and running is because our defense is good and really because of Richard Howell. He is rebounding right now. He’s in a stretch.”

Western Carolina head coach Larry Hunter seemed impressed with the Wolfpack’s ability to push the ball up the court, as well.  

“That’s as much as anybody’s gotten maybe in my career, to be honest with you,” Hunter said. 

“And that spans a lot of years.”

After Thursday evening’s tough win against Campbell, the players seemed to be stress-free and enjoying themselves in the second half as their lead continued to amass.

Sophomore forward Calvin Leslie said he enjoyed looking over at the scoreboard on a night when things went State’s way. 

“It’s always better to go ahead and get things over with and just get it out of the way early,” Leslie said. 

After moving to 10-4 on the year, State completes non-conference play Wednesday night at 7 p.m . in the RBC Center against Delaware State.