* That’s the way that playing a mid-tier ACC opponent should go when playing at home. Herb Sendek now has a 40-33 record in Raleigh in ACC games.
* Efficient offensive execution in the second half helped the Pack compensate for one of our less attractive defensive efforts.
* I’d like to thank Mike Gminski for validating my first half comments when he said, “Emphasis…on cleaning up rough play out on the perimeter. If you can’t bang cuts, I think it really works to NC State’s advantage.� For the record, I had previously said the same thing:
“One thing that scares me about the Wolfpack’s offense is that we need so much spacing to execute. We therefore need officiating that adheres to upholding the NCAA’s stated emphasis on defenders checking the offense away from the ball. We got some of these calls in the first half. Enjoy it while we can — we’ll play Duke and Carolina soon enough.”
* With 7:45 in the second half, Miami got three opportunities on the offensive end of the floor. Granted, the Canes got away with an over-the-back in the exchange, but that doesn’t matter. The next possession the Canes got 2 shots. The next possession the Canes were fouled close to the hole.
* Cedric Simmons was not on the floor during ^those possessions. Pay attention to this if you need an ‘indicator’ for defensive performance in future games. The Pack is going to be prone to struggle when playing without Simmons, especially if playing teams with skilled players with size.
* The intentional foul rule, and the manner in which coaches work the officials in such situations, drives me nuts. Andrew Brackman was obviously wrapped up on a fast break in the second half and the refs never considered the intentional foul. It wasn’t a huge deal, but Coach Sendek didn’t push the issue very much. I get sick when I think of historically horrible calls in similar situations –ie: Marcus Melvin vs Vanderbilt. Coaches need to make statements for their players and for the principal of consistency in those situations. My personal preference is for coaches who was more assertive and demanding in those situations. I can dream, can’t I?
* Wonder how Julie Donaldson got that role as a sideline reporter? Wonder no more. No matter how big of a fan of Julie’s that I may be, she needs to sharpen up just a little down there on the court. Her school-girl giggle to cover a second of quiet air time was when she didn’t know what to say during her ‘interview’ with Chris Corchiani and Chucky Brown was a little much. This just screams professional of the highest regard, doesn’t it? If you need more background, you can get it here.
