UNC 93, NC State76

Tar Heel fans, who made the trip to the RBC Center for the first two rounds of the 2008 NCAA Tournament, turned up in pockets. With their light blue and the pink in the N.C. State student section — an homage to Kay Yow — the place looks like a maternity ward.

Just a guess, but that is the most UNC fans in N.C. State’s building for a State-Carolina game in 15 years. A 15-point favorite, the Heels did not disappoint their traveling fan base.

Note: It’s not like the 2003 State-Carolina game at the Smith Center, which was a virtual home game for State, but there’s a good amount of blue sprinkled throughout the building, especially the upper deck, which mostly has been empty this season.

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08-09 Basketball NCS Basketball Sidney Lowe

107 Responses to UNC 93, NC State76

  1. NJpack 02/01/2009 at 8:29 AM #

    New to the site but have read many of the comments on NCSU basketball – my two cents on the “Sidney Lowe experiment” is:

    Fist year – zero expectations, the win over UNC and the ACC tournament run energized the fan base more than they had been in 10 years

    Second year – disaster, that’s all you can say. We hired a coach that had to learn on the job and it showed.

    Third year – this is a big reach, but imagine if Degand and Thomas never had their respective knee injuries. Both would have a full season of ACC play under their belts, Degand would still have his original quickness, and a healthy Thomas would have reduced the need for the strange substitution patterns. The bottom line is we would probably be 3-4 wins better this season, not against UNC or Duke, but still more competitive. Our margin for error is razor thin, we don’t have the talent to beat the top-tier teams, but we could have potentially been a bubble team this year.

    Fourth year – We finally get in a top-rated guard to make plays and break down the defense (two words why Sendek is enjoying success at ASU – James Harden). The fourth year is absolutely the litmus test for Lowe, if nothing else because he signed a five year deal. If we’re having a sub-par year, the Wolfpack club will snap their wallets shut if there is any talk of giving Lowe an extension.

  2. Wulfpack 02/01/2009 at 8:31 AM #

    “I have no qualms with Sidney’s game plan”

    He coached a pretty good game, but I thought the decision not to double Hansbrough, especially in the second half, was a bad one. There is a quote in the paper from Bobby f-ing Frazor saying UNC was very surprised by that, and I was too. Hansbrough pretty much had his way with us on the interior. If we are going to have any shot at the Dean Dome, that has to change. Just way too many easy baskets.

    Caulton Tudor pretty well summed things up in his column today. We’ve got the heart, just no bite. The talent gap between us and them is a freaking mile long.

  3. OwenDorm83 02/01/2009 at 8:35 AM #

    Ol Roy looked like he was pretty pissed at Sid while they were on the court, but in the presser after the game, he pretty much laid the blame on his guys for the last play. He said Ben apologized to him, but he told Ben not to worry about it & he didn’t do anything wrong.

    10-4, Roy. Copeland better be thankful that Ben didn’t have my mindset. My foul would have been much worse than that.

  4. Clarksa 02/01/2009 at 8:35 AM #

    I personally thought this was the fewest UNC-CH fans in the building in quite some time…

  5. com state10 02/01/2009 at 8:38 AM #

    Terribly sad with what happened to the Kay portrait. I am not even sure what to say, I am shocked. It just saddens me so much I’m not even sure I care about the game anymore. Wow.

    My comments on the game I don’t even feel like making anymore. I am just saddened by this whole thing. The school the guilty persons go too doesn’t really matter to me at this point. I love Kay Yow and the courage she showed for decades, and I love the Wolfpack.

    Tough news to wake up too on a Sunday morning of all mornings, with how strong Kay’s faith was, but I take comfort that she is looking down on us this morning from Heaven, just simply smiling with all the love that she displayed to us and her girls over all the years.

  6. BassPacker 02/01/2009 at 8:57 AM #

    Stockholm Syndrome ? Does the Wolfpack curse finally have a name or should I be calling Dr. Phil?

  7. Rochester 02/01/2009 at 9:52 AM #

    From the N&O this morning:

    Costner undecided on next season
    Submitted by kentysiac on 01/31/2009 – 20:40
    Tags: ACC Now | N.C. State

    N.C. State forward Brandon Costner said he has not decided whether he will return for his senior season despite an Internet report that indicates he is leaving.

    A junior who redshirted when he was a freshman, Costner said the interview for Northstar Basketball Blog was done last summer.

    “I definitely didn’t definitively say I’m leaving,” Costner said. “Just another one of those crazy Internet rumors that goes around about me. I’d rather people just shut up and stop making up stuff.”

    Costner said he will sit down with N.C. State’s coaches at the end of the season to discuss his future.

    Hope he sticks around for one more. We could really use him. Our front line is looking kind of thin without him next year.

  8. PackerInRussia 02/01/2009 at 9:56 AM #

    I told a girl who was considering UNC and App St. for college about what happened to the Kay Yow thing in the Free Expression Tunnel and I think it sealed it for her to go to App St. That really pissed me off to read about that happening.

  9. TheCOWDOG 02/01/2009 at 9:57 AM #

    Lowe had a game plan yesterday and in fact a pretty darn good one.

    It’s unfortunate that he cannot instruct the rock to enter the rim and fall thru the net from 2 feet away. Bad luck that he can’t will the feet of a defender to move with speed to shut the baseline off, shut the passing lane down, cut off dribble penetration, or prevent a 2 on 1 fast break.

    Stockholm Sydrome. What are the token acts of humanity that Oblinger and the BOT given us? TOB I suppose, but I as one captive feel no empathy for these kidnapping hijackers. They need to be dealt with. First with intervention, but who is it we are dealing with? Who’s input guides Oblinger who in turn passes it on to the AD? Who composes this nefariuos organization?

    Some on this board have claimed ” insider knowledge, a little birdie told me so. ” Well, insider me this. Why do we continue to beat on the tenticles when we need to get to the head of the Hydra?
    I have no affinity for my captors.

    BTW. Did I mention that Lowe can coach?

  10. 61Packer 02/01/2009 at 9:59 AM #

    In regard to the incident at the end of the game involving McCauley and Copeland, the real blame to me lies with the NC State coaching staff for not having pulled all their starters off the floor well before the end of an out-of-reach rivalry game when frustrations were already running high.

  11. TheCOWDOG 02/01/2009 at 10:38 AM #

    That’s horseshiat 61. You gonna tell me that Copeland would have pulled the ball back out if our scrubinies were in there? Or that Harris or Williams wouldn’t have prevented that shot in similar fashion?

    I do apologize for calling your comment HS, but leveling a comment at the coaching staff for an act of classlesness on behalf of Copeland is just not well thought out.

  12. ryebread 02/01/2009 at 10:40 AM #

    61Packer: Sorry, but I disagree with you there. Had subs been in, I hope they’d have had the guts and the pride to have done the exact same thing. This “turn the other cheek” situation of NC State as a whole community has gotten out of hand. No wonder we’ve got such a massive chip on our shoulders as a school, alumni base and fan base.

    If any player is reading this, I hope that you’d have done exactly what Ben did yesterday in the same situation. You should not try to hurt someone, but at the same time have the pride to stop a classless act.

    Make no mistake, the UNC player was going for a highlight reel, ESPN front line, talk about it with all my “boys” kind of play. Ben knew it and stopped it. Good job.

    You stay classy UNC. I can’t stand you.

  13. wufpup76 02/01/2009 at 11:04 AM #

    ^Agree on we should’ve maybe thrown some doubles Hansbrough’s ways … I kept motioning for a double on him when we were trying to rally, but somehow the guys didn’t see me in my 300 level seat

    Sidney had his reasons, so I’m cool with that … But, one of the things Hole fans complain about is that Classlessbrough simply will not pass out of a double team … Maybe it’s something we might employ the next time we see them

    “two words why Sendek is enjoying success at ASU – James Harden” … No one in the media has had any explanations for why ASU has lost consecutive home games to “inferior” opponents … Man, never coulda guessed that would happen (I know, I know – sorry – please delete if necessary)

  14. Wulfpack 02/01/2009 at 11:10 AM #

    Copeland was wrong on two counts, Roy admitted it. He was wrong to attempt the dunk in that situation and he was wrong to retaliate. Ben Mac was right to stop him. It was a very hard intentional foul, that’s why the double T was called.

    I am speechless over this incident with the freedom of expression tunnel. Whomever these heartless idiots are better be dealt with appropriately. If only they knew Silvia Hatchell, long-time friend and rival, visited her in the hospital for a sharing of memories just days before she left us. Of course, they know none of that. Stupid, heartless, bums.

  15. Scooter 02/01/2009 at 11:12 AM #

    The problem is leadership. Since Jimmy V left the AD helm, we haven’t had a strong leader in the athletic department. Pockets of growth aside (read: Tom O’Brien), we are in the land of the blind leading the blind. “Tone at the top” is an important concept for any organization. There’s no incentive or pressure to win, so we don’t. Though everyone still hated us in the late 80’s and early 90’s, at least they respected State. No longer.

  16. BJD95 02/01/2009 at 12:05 PM #

    I am very glad that one of our seniors showed some pride in the uniform at the end. Hopefully this little incident bears dividends down the road. I also hope Sid made no apologies for Ben’s actions whatsoever.

  17. com state10 02/01/2009 at 12:19 PM #

    Count me in the ‘glad what Ben did column’.

    But what I would rather talk about is where was that all game long? Although I feel Ben has been playing harder recently, it seems to me he left a decent amount on the court yesterday.

    Costner is coming back next year I would say, the upside is too great and the potential of next years team will keep him one more year.

    I love this site and would hate to think we’ve over stepped our bounds here with a rumor, if the interview was indeed given last year.

  18. Ed89 02/01/2009 at 12:39 PM #

    Cowdog and Ryebread – agreed. 61Packer, you’re way OFF. I would hope that if Simon was in there, he would’ve put Copeland in the third row. UNC is classless, this was just one more example, as was the Free Expression Tunnel defacing. It was by far the best foul of the game, and BTW the “double” technical aspect was BS. McCauley was called for the foul, but did not do anything to warrant a technical. Hell, while the refs were “conferring” that sorry 4th stringer, Copeland, went over to McCauley again and bumped into him. He should be suspended for a game, but since he only comes in during mop-up time, he doesn’t matter. He’s a typical classless Hole.

    Like most of the 2nd and 3rd string burger boys riding the pine, most know they’re not that good, and just want to be on a winning team. I actually think Courtney played better than Ellington or Green. We just didn’t have any answers in the paint. The only think I’m looking forward to is UNC losing — anytime, anywhere. They’re season is a disappointment with anything other than a National Championship. Pitt and UConn will beat UNC. Wake has shown they can, and I believe Duke can. As long as Hansbrough, Lawson, Ellington, Green, and the others leave without a Nat’l Championship, I’ll be happy.

    And BTW, Sid coached a good game. He needs some players. I hope John Wall is listening!!

  19. phillypacker 02/01/2009 at 12:42 PM #

    Noah,

    None of what you wrote reflects what I wrote in my post. You are welcome to be negative. But read the post if you’re going to slam it and at least respond to what was said.

    Being in play for 3-4 top recruits is a good sign and the 2009, 2010 recruiting classes are an indication of very good things ahead. It is not everything. It is not a sure thing. But with ACC caliber talent, State will be much better. I would also point out that we have been competitive with at least three top 10 teams: Marquette, UNC and Duke this seasons.

    The play of this group of athletes, and especially their defense has been very inconsistent. There have been bad losses. TOB has still not had a winning record and many of us have abundant faith in him. Given the personnel Lowe has had, especially the absence of floor leaders, State is not playing horribly. Mediocre, yes. Jimmy Dykes said on Saturday what we all know: State needs guards who will run the team not the offense. They appear to be on the way along with some talented big men.

  20. WolfEyes 02/01/2009 at 1:14 PM #

    I also agree with Ben’s hard foul. My only gripe is that when a Lawson, Green, Hopsbro, Paulus, Henderson, etc. comes strolling down the lane early in the game, a hard, but clean foul is appropriate. That sets the “Not in my house” tone. At least three times yesterday, we gave little ticky-tack fouls as they were driving and all ended up as 3 point plays. I hope that instant of toughness will carry over for the rest of the year and is highly contagious to our other players.

  21. Noah 02/01/2009 at 1:58 PM #

    None of what you wrote reflects what I wrote in my post.

    I didn’t even read your post, so I wasn’t referring to you. I was referring to all of the people who CONSTANTLY defend Lowe. Loss after loss after loss. They can’t be persuaded. Lowe played for Jim Valvano…therefore he is untouchable.

    I’ll go ahead and play this out for you guys. Lowe is going to get PLENTY of time. He’ll get another three or four years. And he’s going to suck the entire time. I don’t care if he gets good recruits or not. He’s a terrible coach and he’s a horribly, horribly bad manager of people.

    And when he finally gets fired, those same people who kept saying, “he needs more time!” will say, “He was never given the support that he needed!”

    You know how I know this? Because it’s the same damn thing we went through with Les Robinson. I’ve seen this movie before. It sucks. Change the channel.

  22. TheCOWDOG 02/01/2009 at 2:19 PM #

    One more take while preppin’ for SB. Make no mistake…Copeland had every right at that point in time to take it home.

    What the green SOB should’a done was to pick his ass up off the floor and come with a touche like grin on his grill. Just so you ya’ll know where I’m comin’ from. ‘ Specially 61 who’s comment I called horsesh1t.

    And for ya’ll that have been wondering where this kinda’ shot contention has been all year, you are absolutely following this team. Meaningful fouls as I like to call ’em.

  23. Wolf Dog 02/01/2009 at 2:52 PM #

    Thanks for the post Rochester. I have stated before Costner may be back next year. All those that have stated otherwise had no clue what they were talking about and had no legitimate sources.

    “He’s a horrible coach and a terrible terrible manager of people” Noah

    This commment is based on no sound factual logic at all. Hickson and his family think Sidney Lowe is great. Not a single assisitant coach has left our staff. And given the great success we are having in recruiting circles don’t think Harris and others haven’t been offered. Most people that understand the game and basketball will tell you that we are a point guard away from being one of the good teams in the country. Bonner stated everyone that knows Sidney Lowe repects what a class act the guy is. I concur with this at Club and other events I have been impressed with Lowe. Most likely why the vast majority of us are rooting for him and wish to give him more time. It has been my impression from other players and coaches including Roy Williams that they totally respect Lowe and the ability he has shown to put together a game plan and his game adjustments.

    As far as comparing him to Les Robinson, the situations are not the same. Les did an outstanding job given the restricitions he was placed under by the school. Les never had the opportunity to recruit in a even or fair environment against other schools. He had Stackhouse coming to State but the school could not guarantee his admission, how screwed up was that?

    We need to look at Wake Forest. When the talent was there they won. When it when down they lost. Now with new recruits they in the top 10. We in the same boat. Lowe gets the talent in here we will be winning. If he doesn’t, we have to find someone that can. Lowe himself knows that and the reason Harris and the other assistants are still here is they think its going to happen. So it probably will.

  24. 61Packer 02/01/2009 at 2:59 PM #

    “I don’t care if he gets good recruits or not. He’s a terrible coach and he’s a horribly, horribly bad manager of people.”

    You nailed it, Noah. This coaching staff has been in the coaching profession for many years, and the results have been dismal at every level. Why is this so hard for Wolfpack fans, many who are college grads, AND for Wolfpack administrators, many who have advanced degrees, to understand?

    However, I do not believe Lowe will be fired at State by an administration that would not fire Herb Sendek after 10 years of mediocrity. They did fire Chuck Amato but only because he couldn’t even come close to beating a mediocre UNC football team with a lame duck coach. As long as Duke and UNC remain among the nation’s elite basketball programs, losing to them will simply be expected and tolerated each year, with an occasional close call bringing Jed out from under his rock to proclaim that we’re still in good shape.

    That shouldn’t be long now; tomorrow’s Ground Hog Day.

  25. Wolfpack_1995 02/01/2009 at 3:01 PM #

    “Stockholm Syndrome at its absolute purest…”

    Please explain…Who are we being abused by? Sid Lowe..WTF?

    We are being abused by an invisible powers that go back to Larry Monteith, Todd Turner, CD Spangler, Erksine Bowels, Chancellor NOblinger, and Lee Fowler.

    If anything people on this site have tried to get rid of the abusers but to no avail…

    Face it we are stuck with a shitty BOT, chancellor, and admins…and that is were it starts.

    NC State fans are not sticking up for the abusers..they are actually pissed off…Get rid of the current eggheads aka pencil necks running NC State and then we might see some change..We saw that in some aspects with Valvano and MAF and we can all look back and see how they were run out of town.

    You think we choose to be abused? Ridiculous…

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