Regular Season Finale Game Thread
After this weekend, only tournament basketball remains. The second most exciting stretch of the year for sports fans (after the NFL playoffs) is about to begin in earnest.
Unlike last year, NC State still has a pulse and something to play for. Remember last year’s soul-crushing ACCT loss to the Canes? Or how about last year’s regular season finale? We should be able to at least top those performances today.
Miami comes into the game after a baffling, bed-shitting loss at Georgia Tech – in a game they had to win to lock up an NCAAT bid. Now, the Canes have to beat us and win at least 1 (probably 2) ACCT games to make the dance. Will they come out focused, or disheartened? I haven’t followed this team closely enough to hazard a guess. It is Jack McClinton’s senior day, coming off a horrid performance against the Jackets that likely cost him first team all-ACC honors.
According to the N&O, Courtney Fells will make the trip, but remains a game-time decision.
How this game is played is of greater interest to me than the outcome, and I’m not saying it isn’t for you too, BJD. The issues you raise definitely will impact the outcome. How the game is played (and the program is run) is what garners respect for TOB and our football program. Respect for how we play the game and how the program is run will produce results in the long run as HS coaches give the nod to NCSU as a great place to play basketball and to get an education.
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Not to take this where it is not intended to go, but we are capable of beating Miami. I for one would like to see a win going into the tournament. Jimmy V had saying or philosophy (or both) “Stay in position to win.” Do what you have to do to be in position to close the deal. Keeping McClinton under control — he will get his points — will go a long way IMO to staying in position to win.
“The second most exciting stretch of the year for sports fans (after the NFL playoffs) is about to begin in earnest.”
^Have to respectfully disagree with you here. March is easily first for me (though I’m sure you’re correct in general).
Go Pack. Hope we can finish strong and knock them off the bubble (and then Maryland or VT as well on Thursday … that would be really cool to knock two of them off – and then win the title of course).
Hope we play well and win the game. 6-10 was sort of an expectation earlier in the year, 7-9 sounds significantly better. Also, a road win would be very good.
On a different note:
I heard that Wall is considering Miami. Actually, this would not be bad for ACC. From what I understand, Miami doesn’t pack the house. Getting a top player may create more buzz their and make them more competitive, at least for 1 year. I would rather him go there versus Duke or outside the ACC.
Also, if we can continue to get improved play from Javi and Mays can get stronger in the off season, we may be ok at the point. We can save the scholar for a big- which we need anyway.
Go pack.
I agree BSIE 7-9 sounds alot better than 6-10 especially considering the strength of the confrence. Do you have any facts to back this rumor of wall considering miami?? i know for a fact he is in Baylor today visiting with them. I disagree if wall doesnt go to state we dont want him ANYWHERE NEAR the acc because he will be a POY candidate walking on the floor. I would be very suprised if he actually did go there they already have 2 good guards commited i just feel state, baylor, memphis, and kansas have layed to good of ground work to have him slip to a school just stepping into the convro.
We prob wont see fells today which is tough but we all know his strength is def and he wouldnt guard Mcclinton anyway so it may not be as big a loss as it would be against a wake or other teams with solid shooting guards. need a big game again from javi and tracy. if we can get the bench production of last game i say we win by 6. Go pack!!
Tv guys just said Fells was out, and apparently WRAL is having trouble with the HD feed (if it even is in HD).
Holy moly Fergs is getting the start out of nowhere …
WOAH FERGIE?????/ Wheres CJ?????
2 offensive rebounds on the first posession for Miami … eek
Where was the walk????? I dont know about that call
I simply did not see that walk on Smith … terrific invent calls on Smith, let Hansbrough walk every time – makes sense.
Good job Costner. Hope he’s ok.
I heart Tracy Smith.
Offensive Rbs KILLING us
Smith just got absolutely mugged and of course it costs us 3 points.
WRALs HD feed is horrible today
Miami’s taking some ugly shots, but they’re getting a ton of boards. We should be shutting them out if we could clean the glass better.
Smith is way better at the hedge play when his guy sets a pick than he ever has been.
He used to not even hedge at all – he’s getting better defensively.
Starting to turn the ball over … giving up offensive rebounds.
Do neither and we’re already up 10+ … sigh
A Rebound should NEVER hit the ground!!!! we gave up on that poss
Hooray for McCauley boxing out
Trouble on the press. Smart play CJ
12:44 into the game and not one mention of “Michael Thompson”…
Holy Cow – they weren’t even going to call that foul on Graham
The guy is hammering Smith on both ends
Any word on Courtney’s status for the ACCT??
horner stepping up, could be important to us in tourny!
I guess Graham is intent on hurting someone today.