NC State survives, advances to ACC Tournament quarterfinals

In the nightcap of day one action from the ACC Tournament NC State used 19 points and eight rebounds from Tracy Smith to advance past No. 6 seed Clemson, 59-57. With the win NC State became the third lower seed of the day to pick up a victory. No. 9 seed Virginia and No. 12 seed both pulled upsets in the afternoon session.

Although the Wolfpack allowed Clemson back into the game after building a double digit second half lead, State made the plays in the end to get the victory over the Tigers. NC State, now 18-14 on the year, may have also solidified a spot in the NIT with the win over Clemson.

The Wolfpack shot better than 52 percent from the field on the night and out rebounded the Tigers 32-25. Clemson shot just 39 percent from the floor and just 55 percent from the charity stripe while also committing 15 turnovers. NC State committed 19 turnovers of its own, several of which came late in the game, allowing the Tigers to rally.

Freshman forward Richard Howell nearly notched a double-double, scoring nine points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 21 minutes. Farnold Degand and CJ Williams added nine and eight points, respectively. For the full box score, go here.

The Pack will face No. 3 seed FSU Friday night in the final game of the evening. Tip off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m.