It looked like a repeat from last Sunday was going to happen. The Pack fights back with the clock ticking down to hit a layup to take the lead, but the opponents somehow fight back down the court with less than 5 seconds on the clock to put in their own shot and go up by 1. This time there was 2.2 seconds left on the clock, and Gavin had other plans. The ball was inbounded to him just above the arc, and put up a shot that missed, but thanks to foul, Grant got to the free throw line for 3 shots. After missing the first 1 he sank the last 2 and gave the Pack a one point lead. The Wildcats then inbounded the ball with .4 seconds on the clock, and their last shot came way to close and the Pack raises the Championship Trophy in Orlando!

4 Pack players finished in double digits, lead by the tournament MVP Courtney Fells who finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Hickson and Grant finished with 15 points a piece and McCauley seemed to finally get going with 10. Costner suffered from early foul trouble and only finished with 2 points on 1 for 3 shooting.

It was close, a nail biter, but the Pack pulled it out for the second game in a row! They have won the last 2 games by a total of 3 points. Sidney has shown us he can win the close one. Now we look forward to Michigan State on Wednesday.

The Pack has made it to the Championship Game of the Old Spice Classic after some close games to get there. The Pack now looks to match the Women’s team and bring home a tournament championship. The Pack faces the #19 Villanova Wildcats.

7:05pm
The first tv timeout and the Pack leads 9-5. We started out well from behind the arc opening up 6-0 then McCauley hit the first free throw to stretch it to 7-0 before the Wildcats were able to score. We seem to be breaking the trap pretty well as we bring the ball up court.
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Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams debut in their respective preseason polls.

Women’s Preview
The NC State Women look to continue a strong finish to last years team as they return 8 players from their Sweet 16 run. To add to the returning players, the Pack add a second straight top 20 recruiting class that look to make an impact early. In the polls, the Wolfpack are projected to finish 7th in the ACC, but squeak into the top 25 at #25. To add to the awards, the Pack’s only senior, Khadijah Whittington is preseason All ACC. TheACC.com has a preview of our women here.

Men’s Preview
The men also look to continue a strong finish this year as well. The Pack only lost 1 starter, but have close to twice as many players this year that can contribute as they did last season. Look for this team to be a power house in the ACC this season. In the Polls, the Pack have been picked to finish 3rd in the ACC, and break into the top 25 at #24. Many people look for the Pack to rise in the polls quickly though as they prove they have a point guard that can control the ball and get it to the other 4 players on the court. TheACC.com has a preview of our men here.

All in all it should be an exciting season in both men and women’s play. Don’t forget the Men start their exhibition season tomorrow night at the RBC Center at 7pm!