North Carolina State University Athletics
Pack Faces Must-Win Game at Tech
2/23/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NC State (15-9, 5-8 ACC) at Georgia Tech (11-14, 3-9)
Alexander Memorial Coliseum
February 24, 2000 - 7:30 p.m.
Radio: Wolfpack Capitol Sports Network. Airtime 7:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN2
By Tony Haynes
So now it has come down to this: Three regular season games that will likely decide whether NC State heads back to the NIT for the fourth straight year or makes its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1991.
A season ending three-game sweep over Georgia Tech, Clemson and Florida State would at least get the Wolfpack on the NCAA bubble. Anything less would force State to win the ACC Tournament to land an automatic spot in the big dance.
The final leg of an up and down campaign begins with a trip to Tech on Thursday night.
"Our backs are against the wall and these are three games we must have," said Wolfpack forward Damien Wilkins. "Our only option is to put what has happened behind us and play like it's like the last three games we'll ever play. The good thing about it is that we control our own destiny."
A five-game losing streak is to blame for the dire predicament the Pack currently faces. NC State hasn't experienced the exultation that only a win can bring since it defeated Florida State back on the second day of February.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the attitude, the togetherness, and the work ethic of our basketball team," said Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek. "We've been through a difficult stretch and there's no dismissing the fact that it hurts. But at the same time, our guys have been very tough minded and have remained very committed to the process."
And some help may be on the way. Reserve center Ron Kelley, who has missed a total of six games since undergoing minor knee surgery, has returned to the practice floor. There is a slight chance that the 6'8 junior could give the Pack some minutes against the Yellow Jackets.
Wilkins and Kenny Inge have done their best to make up for Kelley's absence. Over his last three games, Wilkins is averaging 16.7 points and 7.3 rebounds. During that same stretch, Inge is averaging 15.3 points and 7.0 rebounds.
Georgia Tech could very well be just what the doctor ordered for NC State. The Wolfpack has won the last seven meetings in the series, including a 66-58 victory last month at the ESA.
