Commentary
The final 20 minutes were more than a collapse. After leading 46-37 at halftime, the men’s basketball team was outscored by nearly 30 points in the second half.
But N.C. State fans, you shouldn’t be too upset after Thursday night’s 92-72 loss at No. 3 Duke.
The positives were there. And there’s a big difference in this team nearly three weeks after an embarrassing loss at North Carolina.
Fighting backLess than five minutes into the game, N.C. State already trailed Duke 10-4 — and it looked like the game was heading where it was on Jan. 12 at North Carolina. The State team from three weeks ago would have quit when it was down early against a rowdy crowd. But not this team.
The Wolfpack battled back to even the score and to take a nine-point halftime lead.And there’s a big difference between playing a team close in the first half and falling apart in the second half — compared to falling apart in the first half and playing well in the second, when the game is already over.
Coach Sidney Lowe said the team made a big step in playing well early in the game.
“And that’s part of that progress I’ve talked about,” he said. “We got to the point where we can play a team like this and get a lead at half.”
Passion is thereSeeing a fighter’s mentality in the Pack had to be one of the biggest positives. When Duke swung, State swung right back.
Duke’s defense has frustrated opponents for years and has caused teams to fall apart. In the first half, when Duke’s aggressiveness targeted redshirt sophomore Brandon Costner, he didn’t put his head down and walk away. He took the foul, and then went to the free-throw line and made shots.
Freshman Javier Gonzalez, at one point, even looked like he wanted to go after Duke guard Greg Paulus. But he remained composed and played well.
Javi’s playGonzalez didn’t score many points, and he didn’t do much else in regards to numbers. He finished the game with five points, three rebounds and three assists. But the freshman point guard had what this team needed. He showed tenacity. He was quick to fight back. And he didn’t back down from Paulus, who, by the way, makes Keanu Reeves look like he’s a lock for an Academy Award.
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski even acknowledged the play of State’s point guard.
“Gonzalez did a good job for them — especially in the first half,” Krzyzewski said. “Not turning the ball over, getting them into their sets.”
But after the loss, the freshman said he still has a long ways to go.
“I’ve just got to learn from it,” Gonzalez said. “I’m a freshman. I got three more years — just got to learn from it and stay strong.”
Gonzalez’s first game at Cameron Indoor Stadium wasn’t easy. Duke fans heckled Gonzalez throughout the game, but not once did the freshman let that become a factor in his play.
Here’s a couple tidbits from the student section:
“Oh, he’s that Mexican guy.”
And, even better.
“Go back to your barn.”
Well, Gonzalez isn’t Mexican. He’s Puerto Rican. And my best guess would be that he doesn’t live in a barn.
Ironically, the game ended with a “Culture, agriculture” chant.
If Gonzalez can play well in that atmosphere, he can play anywhere.
State was 3-5 at the midway point in the ACC last season. The team finished the year 5-11 in the conference. Now, six games in, the Pack sits at 2-4 in the conference and once again is in the bottom half of the conference.
However, I don’t think Thursday night’s team will finish 5-11 again this season.
