North Carolina State University Athletics
Men's Basketball Hosts 1st Exhibition Game Thursday
11/1/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NC State Plays Host to Barton College in Exhibition Game: NC State kicks off its 2007-08 campaign Thursday night, hosting the first of two exhibition games. The Wolfpack will take on Barton College on Thursday, then play host to UNC Pembroke on Tuesday night. NC State's first regular season contest is November 15 against William & Mary.
Barton College is the defending NCAA Division II National Champion, and has posted a 59-9 record over the last two seasons, reaching the Elite Eight each time. The Bulldogs lost three starters from last season, but are ranked No. 8 in the 2007-08 D-II preseason poll and boast a 21-game win streak.
Both of the Pack's exhibition games can be viewed online at GoPack.com, and live stats will also be available.
Hickson/McCauley Stand Out in Red/White Game: The Wolfpack fans got their first taste of game action last Saturday, as NC State hosted its annual Red/White scrimmage right before the Virginia football game in front of 13,000 fans at the RBC Center.
The Pack's frontcourt was on full display, as all four double-figure scorers were forwards. Freshman J.J. Hickson scored a game-high 21 points, with teammate Gavin Grant adding 11 to lead the Red squad to a 53-47 win in a shortened contest. Junior Ben McCauley finished with 14 points and seven rebounds for the White squad, while sophomore Brandon Costner added 12 points.
NC State Picked Third in Pre-Season ACC Media Poll: After picking NC State to finish in last place at last year's Operation Basketball, the media went in a different direction for a much improved Wolfpack team this year.
NC State was picked to finish third in the preseason poll, just behind second-place Duke and unanimous favorite North Carolina.
In addition to the team's third-place selection, two Wolfpack players were also named. Brandon Costner was named to the preseason All-ACC team, while freshman J.J. Hickson finished second in the preseason ACC Rookie of the Year voting.
Radio Coverage: The Wolfpack Sports Network will provide play-by-play coverage of both exhibition games. Airtime on Thursday night will be 6:30 p.m.
