NC State leads Liberty 28-25 at the break in Reynolds. The Pack has not looked especially sharp offensively in the first 20 minutes, and Liberty has kept it close by playing a zone and making the Wolfpack work for looks.

1. The Pack came out flat. Some of that is almost certainly tied to Zoe Brooks not being available, which changes the rhythm and the way the ball moves. Liberty is also playing a zone with a 6’2″ player at the point of the defense, which has taken away some of the easy interior looks the Pack has gotten used to. Still, flat only explains so much. NC State has gone 3-for-10 from the free-throw line, and that number has nothing to do with Brooks sitting or the zone. Those are free points that have not been converted, and they are a big reason the lead is only three points instead of something more comfortable.

2. The defense has been the clear positive. The Pack has been relentless on that end and has forced nine turnovers. When the offense has looked its best, it has been in transition off those mistakes. The half-court has been a grind against the zone, but the pressure and the ability to get out and run after turnovers has been the most consistent way NC State has scored. If the Pack can keep forcing those live-ball turnovers in the second half, the transition game gives them a way to play the style they want even if the half-court remains choppy.

PackWBB will have 7 quick notes at the end of the game.