The Yellow Jackets Laid The Smack Down On The Pack

On Wednesday Jan. 10, 2012, Georgia Tech went on the road to the RBC center in Raleigh, NC to face the then 12-4 (1-0) Wolfpack. In short, the Yellow Jackets came with the drive that the Wolfpack failed to handle.

Early in the first half, NC State lead by at least 5 points. Closer to the end of the first half, GT just switched gears and ran all over the Pack! NC State didn't know what to do but take it. At the half, the score was 40-29. A pitiful first half from the Pack that had the momentum from their win in their conference opener over Maryland. The Wolfpack thought they were on a roll when they cut GT's lead to 5 in the second half, but GT switched gears again and never looked back. Georgia Tech beat NC State 81-72.

Many factors come into play in this game. Scott Wood, CJ Leslie and Richard Howell all had foul trouble, especially Leslie, who fouled out. Their shooting percentage was barely over 40% and 26% in 3-point attempts. Even their coach, Mark Gottfried, had foul trouble. Scott Wood couldn't put it together to sink some 3-pointers. Another thing, the Pack did not defend well at all. It was kind of embarrassing after winning against a good Maryland team, then losing to a then 7-8 Georgia Tech team. The Pack needs to focus more and defend better in their next game against Wake Forest. Mark Gottfried does not need to take off his jacket anymore or the refs will call a Technical on him. Sad but true. I know the officials are being tougher this year, but it seems that the Pack always get the short end of the stick. But that is just me.

Remember to watch NC State @ Wake Forest on ESPN3 online. Go Pack!!!