North Carolina State University Athletics
Haynes: Wake Gets Rematch with NC State
2/25/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BY TONY HAYNES
Targeted by a variety of Wolfpack defenses, including a box-and-one, Teague was virtually a non-factor, and often had a difficult time getting the ball back in his hands after giving it up. Face-guarded and denied by NC State’s Courtney Fells, Teague clearly had one of the most frustrating nights of his short, but productive college career.
When it has a rematch with the 13th ranked Deacons (20-5, 7-5) Thursday night (8 p.m.) in
“He’s a great competitor and certainly he wasn’t pleased with his game here at NC State,” Lowe said. “I’m sure they’ll figure out some ways to get him open and get him the basketball. We just want to go there and play solid and make it tough for all of their guys. You can’t stop him, but if we can control him it will give us a better chance to win the ballgame.”
NC State’s best hope of controlling Teague will again be Fells, an athletic 6-6 senior who has really embraced the role of being a defensive stopper this season. Most recently, Fells forced
It requires energy, concentration and a deep understanding of personnel and scouting reports to become a great perimeter defender. Fells, it seems, has welcomed the challenge of doing what’s necessary to prepare for difficult assignments most of the season.
“The reason is because he’s had some success and he can see how important it is to our ballclub,” said Lowe. “There are times when he’ll come into the huddle and say I’m going to concentrate on stopping this guy, so you guys have to score.’ He understands the strengths of other players and tries to prevent them from going to their strength. Being a good a defender is knowing what your opponent likes to do and preventing him from doing it.”
Since being held in check by Fells and NC State, Teague has scored 15, 15 and 28 points, respectively, in
In that game, of course, he got a more preferred tempo to suit his game. In the open floor, Teague is capable of spotting up for 3-point shots, driving and finishing at the basket or creating shots for his teammates. At NC State a few weeks ago, Wake was unable to generate as many transition opportunities as it would like, thus forcing Teague to go against defenses that were balanced and set-up to slow him down.
Down by as many as 20 points in the second half, the Deacons did use fullcourt, trapping pressure to get back into the game, once pulling to within two points in the final minute before the Pack finally secured the game down the stretch by knocking down free throws.
Wake’s press was effective in the first game, so much so that NC State must be ready to see it right off the bat on Thursday.
“They’re going to be energized,” Lowe said. “With their fans there, it’s going to be a hostile environment. We got them the first time and they’re going to want to pay us back; that’s normal. We have to keep our composure and execute our offense.”
And when NC State doesn’t turn the ball over, its offensive execution has been borderline spectacular since Lowe made the decision to add center/forward Tracy Smith to his starting line-up. In the seven ACC games since the line-up change, the Wolfpack has averaged 51 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent from 3-point range.
“You wouldn’t think we would be shooting better from the 3-point line with the big line-up in there,” Lowe said. “But Tracy and Ben McCauley are doing a good job of looking for that double-team in the post and kicking it out for wide open shots.”
No two shooters have benefitted from the extra attention given to the big men inside more than reserves C.J. Williams and Dennis Horner. Producing 28 total points off the NC State bench the last two games, Williams and Horner have combined to make 12 of their last 20 shots from beyond the arc.
Smith’s presence has also provided some much-needed punch on the offensive glass. Starting with the first meeting with
NC State has put itself back in the postseason hunt by winning three of its last four in the ACC. With four regular season games and the ACC Tournament remaining, Lowe doesn’t want his team to shy away from big dreams.
“Opportunities are there,” Lowe said. “Right now, we’re in a good place. I told our guys, let’s do something special. If you want to be remembered, let’s do something that maybe the experts didn’t give you a chance to do.’ We’ll take it one game at a time and if we win enough of them, things will be pretty good for us.”
