North Carolina State University Athletics
Wilkins leads Pack past Stetson
11/26/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Because Damien Wilkins came to NC State with so much acclaim, it's sometimes easy to forget that he is just a freshman. And in his first two college games, the 6-6 forward often looked like a player who was feeling his way through the process.
That all changed on Friday night.
Wilkins scored 22 points and added eight rebounds in leading NC State (3-0) to a 79-45 victory over Stetson (2-1). The Washington North Carolina native also added five assists.
"As far as I'm concerned, that was a foundation game for me tonight," said Wilkins. "I really didn't look for my shot in the first two games. The last couple of days, coach has been whispering in my ear, 'Damon you've got to look to score and be more aggressive.' That's what I did tonight."
After going just two for eight in the Pack's first two games, Wilkins stepped up and knocked down nine of 17 shot attempts against Stetson.
"He (Wilkins) came out tonight and was much further along than he was in those first two games," said NC State head coach Herb Sendek. "He's just such a good person and such a team centered individual, that you can't help but cheer for him on every play."
The 15,758 fans that showed up at the Entertainment and Sports Arena on Friday certainly had no problems cheering for Wilkins or the Wolfpack.
After getting off two slow starts in their first two games, the Pack was looking to make something happen early against Stetson. That mission was certainly accomplished. Before many of the spectators were in their seats, NC State had run out to a quick 7-0 lead. Damon Thornton started things with a three-point basket against Stetson's triangle and two defense.
"I thought the guys came out and were really focused on the game plan," Sendek said. "More than anything else, they demonstrated some terrific unselfishness. On a night when the opponent played a triangle and two and gave up some open shots, the guys were really patient and shared the ball."
There were many occasions, however, when the Hatters were unable to set up their junk defense. That's because the Pack continuously punished Stetson for turnovers and missed shots by converting on numerous fast break opportunities.
"When we got those defensive rebounds, it allowed us to get out in transition," Wilkins said. "I don't think they were able to run with us and I think that really got us going. We had a lot of fun with that."
The Hatters had outrebounded their first two opponents by an average of 21.5 rebounds per game. On Friday night, the Pack won the battle of the boards 40-36.
NC State was also very active on the defensive end of the floor, causing 22 turnovers. Unofficially, the Pack had a total of 53 deflections in the game. Freshman guard Cliff Crawford had eleven deflections by himself.
NC State's lead was cut to 12-9 following Jason Singletary's driving layup with almost ten minutes remaining in the first half. Over the next ten minutes, NC State outscored the Hatters 28-4 to take a 40-13 halftime lead. The 13 first half points tied a Stetson school record for futility.
"NC State took it to us and took the game over fairly early," said Hatters coach Murray Arnold. "If somebody had to beat us and have a good night, I guess that right guy did-and that's Damien Wilkins. It's a thrill for me to see Damien playing for NC State."
Arnold, a 40-year coaching veteran, coached Wilkins' father Gerald at U-T Chattanooga.
Stetson, which had already lost three players to injury earlier in the season, was forced to go without starter Will Robertson on Friday night. The 6-6 guard was unable to play after cutting his hand while trying to open a can of tuna on Thanksgiving Day.
"You take away a player from them like Will Robertson, and it had an affect," Sendek said. "We certainly understand that as we look in the mirror."
Of course, NC State was missing Forwards Kenny Inge and Tim Wells who are both out with injuries themselves.
Ron Kelley also reached double figures for the Wolfpack, scoring 13 points on a perfect five for five performance from the field. Freshman Marshall Williams and guard Anthony Grundy chipped in with ten points apiece.
The Hatters were led by Santos Hampton, who had 14 points and 14 rebounds for his third straight double-double this season.
NC State connected on 50.8 percent of its shots. Stetson hit 33.3 percent from the field.
