North Carolina State University Athletics
A Short Celebration
1/7/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The Wild celebration that ensued following NC State's dramatic ACC win over 14th ranked Maryland on Thursday night is now being tempered by the fact that the Wolfpack (10-1,1-0) must now turn right around and play another nationally ranked conference opponent on Saturday night.
And let's face it; North Carolina isn't just another opponent.
"It's a real big game," said NC State guard Justin Gainey, who hit the game winner against the Terrapins on Thursday night. "Both schools are so close to each other, they can't help but be a rival. I think this year we have a chance to go in there and be real competitive."
The Wolfpack was quite competitive last year before losing two close games to the Tar Heels. Last January at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, the Heels edged the Pack 59-56. Later in the season, Carolina rallied from a seven point deficit in the second half to turn back NC State 62-53.
"We played them close in both games," said Pack guard Anthony Grundy. "They slipped away from us. Hopefully, this year, we'll be able to stay with them and come away with a victory."
North Carolina (10-4,1-0) has won the last three games in the series and seven of the last eight.
This year's Tar Heels have spent most of November and December trying to weather injuries, illness and a brutal early season schedule. Key reserves Ron Curry (achilles) and Brian Bersticker (foot) are out. And standout sophomore forward Kris Lang is just now returning to form after being slowed by shin splints.
Lang's return to the starting line-up has allowed Jason Capel to move back to his natural position of small forward. Following back to back losses to Indiana and Louisville prior to the New Year, Carolina has rebounded with impressive wins over Howard and Clemson.
"They're one of the most difficult teams in the country to guard if you have a week to prepare, let alone one day," NC State coach Herb Sendek said. "They have a very high level of efficiency and execution. They're shooting over 50 percent from the field (50.5) and they're averaging 81 points per game. In a lot of ways, they're an offensive juggernaut."
And though freshman guard and three-point specialist Joseph Forte is Carolina's scoring leader (16.2), this is a team that primarily looks to get the ball inside every time down the floor.
North Carolina's system features a dizzying array of cross screens, back screens and actions designed to get good looks at the basket. The offense is difficult to defend-especially when you have only one day to prepare.
Then there's the question about whether NC State's players can come back down to earth following such an emotional win over Maryland.
"Win or lose, you have to refocus your energies for the next game," Sendek said. "What has already happened is over and we no longer influence any control over it. We were pleased to get a win on Thursday night, but now we must simply turn around and prepare the best we can in a short time."
This will be the 195th game in this storied rivalry. The Tar Heels hold a 124-70 advantage in the series.
