Archive for January, 2008

OT Thriller for Wolfpack

Sunday, January 20th, 2008

The Wolfpack basketball team got a much need win on Saturday night against Miami at the RBC Center. From the opening tip of the game, the Pack came out with some more energy than in recent games. Jumping out to an early lead the Pack took a 36-27 into the break. The second half was different story as Jack McClinton caught fire from all over the floor. He ended the game with 26 points, 24 coming in the second half. However, Gavin Grant made a three point play with under a minute left to tie the game at 72. When Fells’ three point attempt at the buzzer fell did not go down, it was overtime.

In the overtime period, points were at a premium. The Pack fell behind 76-72 with under thirty seconds left, but finally the offence came alive. Fells hit a three pointer with 17.7 seconds left for the Pack’s first points of overtime. After Miami made 1 of 2 from the line, the stage was set. Grant took the ball to the basket and JJ Hickson clean up the miss with 4 seconds life to tie the game at 77. As the entire arena was celebrated the prospects of double overtime Gavin Grant stole the inbounds pass and made a lay up for a two point Wolfpack lead. A desperation three pointer from mid court was off the backboard and the Pack had the victory.

It was an incredible ending for the Wolfpack on Saturday night, one that just might propel this team to great things in the remained of the season.

Pack still in search of offense

Wednesday, January 16th, 2008

Advanced Auto is loving life right now. They signed a contract at the beginning of the season that would allow everyone in attendance to get a free jug of windshield washer fluid if the Pack scores more than 75 points at home. Let’s just say they have only given it away once! Only once from a schedule that included, William & Mary, New Orleans, South Carolina State, Western Carolina, and Presbyterian, and North Carolina Central. What is wrong with our Wolfpack?

The Pack comes in LAST in points per game this season with 33.1 points per game, while the other triangles schools, who the Pack was suppose to be competing with for the ACC Title are averaging 92.2 (unc-ch) and 85.5 (Duke) who rank 1,2 in the league in that catagory.

If there are any positives so far, it’s the Pack’s defense is shutting down other teams and keeping them at just 63.8 points per game which ranks them 4th in scoring defense in the league.

If the Pack wants to get where they are suppose to be, they will need to find some offense. Coach Lowe will be forced to make a decision on who will run the point. I really like Gonzalez, but he is a freshman, and seems to get shaken easily when pressured which leads to turnovers, and points going the other way. Johnson, is all but a freshman even though he’s been with the team for over a year now, just hasn’t seen game action, but as the playing time comes, he’s starting to look better and better.

The Wolfpack now needs to be concerned with McCauley and his ankle injury. My opinion, every player should be with an ankle brace, from here on out, I’m tired of the ankle injuries, and seeing our players hobbling off the court.

There is no reason this team can’t rebound from their start, they have the players and the coaches, and hopefully will gel like we all expected them to in the beginning and be able to make the run we know they are capable of making.

Hello??

Wednesday, January 9th, 2008

Ok ok ok, I know, we are probably the worst bloggers on the net, and I personally am embarrassed! But, I am back, we are back, and it’s time to get excited about basketball! There is one more “tune-up” before ACC play begins, and of course with our luck it begins with probably the toughest game, at unc-ch. However, first things first, we host Central tonight. It you aren’t planning to be there, change your plans. I look for us to come out with a lot of energy. I know for sure Central will, but I expect our boys to come out on fire. We have been critisized lately for our lack of energy, and I really do look for us to come out playing hard tonight! Be there, 7pm in the RBC Center and get ready to catch a glimpse of the real Wolfpack team that will dominate ACC play like many predicted they would. Also keep stopping by, it’s been a while since we’ve updated, but we are settled back after the holiday’s now, and ready to keep you informed on all the latest Pack news!