NC State
George Mason
Pack Runs Past George Mason
11/19/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 19, 2010
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CHARLESTON, S.C. - Five Wolfpack players scored in double figures, and for the second straight game NC State used a strong second-half defensive performance, as the Pack downed George Mason, 78-65, to advance to the championship game of the Charleston Classic.
The Patriots had wiped out a 10-point first-half lead and led 56-55 with 12 minutes to go. But NC State responded with a 19-2 run to regain the lead for good at 61-59 with 9:14 left. Over the final 10 minutes of the game, George Mason scored just six points.
"It was a good run for us," said NC State head coach Sidney Lowe. "We got stops on defense, and we were able to get out and run and put pressure on their transition defense. Both of our runs in this tournament started with defense, and that is the way we have to continue to play.
NC State shot 55.4 percent for the game, and held George Mason to 39.7 percent from the floor.
Freshman Ryan Harrow led the way with 14 points off the bench, while Richard Howell, a sophomore, added 13 points and 11 rebounds. and classmate Scott Wood had four 3-pointers and 13 points for the Wolfpack.
"These two defensive spurts we had here were very important," said Howell. "We went into the huddle and Coach Lowe just told us to pick it up. (Those runs) put us over the top."
The Pack will now face No. 20 Georgetown in the championship game on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU. The Hoyas are off to a perfect 3-0 this season after beating Wofford today, 74-59.
"They are a very good team, with great players," said Lowe. "They are experienced, and play with great composure. It will be a great test for us, but that is what we are here for. We are here to play against the best, and that will be the case on Sunday."
Meanwhile, NC State played the contest without preseason All-ACC member Tracy Smith.
Senior forward Tracy Smith underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday afternoon in Raleigh. The joint was debrided and no major damage was found. He is expected to be out of action for three weeks.
"Tracy's knee was bothering him, so we sent him back to get evaluated," Lowe said. "He underwent the procedure today, and from what I've heard everything went all right."
Sophomore DeShawn Painter got the start for Smith, and finished with four points and five rebounds in a career-high 27 minutes.
Wolfpack Club members now have the opportunity to purchase NC State Basketball ACC Mini-Packs prior to them going on sale to the general public on December 11.
This year, fans have the opportunity to create their own four-game package based on the games they want to see. Upper level packages are only $110. A limited number of lower level packages are available for only $144. For more information visit www.GoPack.com/minipacks or call the NC State Ticket Office at (919) 865-1510.
