PackWBB.com

Fourth Quarter Collapse Sinks the Pack

The Wolfpack fell to Clemson tonight, dropping their season record to 11-5 (4-1 ACC) while the Tigers improved to 12-5 (3-2 ACC). The Pack played hard, especially their bigs, but the stats tell a clear story of where things went wrong for NC State. Here’s what immediately jumps out:

1. The Fourth Quarter Collapse Was Brutal and Decisive. NC State entered the final frame with a narrow lead, but their offense completely evaporated. Scoring a paltry 8 points in the fourth quarter, compared to Clemson’s 23, was the absolute turning point. It’s tough to win any college basketball game when you only manage 3 field goals in the final ten minutes (3-15 FG, 20%). The energy and execution simply weren’t there when it mattered most.

2. Pierre and Trygger: NC State’s Dominant Frontcourt Shined, But Needed More Help. Khamil Pierre (17 points, 11 rebounds) and Tilda Trygger (19 points, 11 rebounds) were absolute beasts in the paint, both recording double-doubles. They were highly efficient, particularly Pierre shooting 8-13 (62%) from the field. Their interior presence was undeniable, generating 36 points in the paint for NC State. However, their individual brilliance wasn’t enough to carry the team, suggesting a lack of consistent support from the perimeter.

3. Clemson’s Bench and Fast Break Points Were Game-Changers. Look no further for a difference-maker: Clemson’s bench poured in a massive 40 points compared to NC State’s 6. That’s a huge disparity in reserves’ contributions. Add to that Clemson’s 20 fast break points versus NC State’s meager 2, and you see a team that was deeper and played with more pace. This depth and transition game seemed to wear down the Wolfpack, especially late in the game.

4. Zam Jones’s Absence Likely Stifled NC State’s Offensive Flow. While not directly measurable by a single stat, the pre-game status of Zam Jones being “out” due to an ankle injury looms large. With Zam being unavailable, it’s reasonable to infer a disruption in ball-handling, playmaking, and overall offensive rhythm which was obvious, especially in the 4th quarter, which to date has been Zam’s quarter to shine. The Wolfpack’s low assist total (13 assists on 26 made field goals) and struggling three-point shooting (21.1% 3FG) could, in part, be attributed Jones status on the bench.

5. Three-Point Shooting Woes Crippled the Wolfpack. NC State shot a dismal 4-19 (21.1%) from beyond the arc for the entire game, including a chilling 0-5 in the second half. In a game where Clemson hit 8-24 (33.3%) from deep, that difference of 12 points from three-pointers alone is significant. When the interior presence is strong, you need the perimeter shooting to open things up. NC State simply couldn’t find its range, making it easier for Clemson to defend and pack the paint.

6. Go Pack!