NC State
4-1,0-1ACC
Alcorn State
1-4,0-0SWAC
NC State Defeats Alcorn State, 87-64
11/19/2019 8:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball
RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State men's basketball team (4-1) picked up an 87-64 win over Alcorn State (1-4) on Tuesday night inside James T. Valvano Arena at Reynolds Coliseum.
Devon Daniels led all scorers with 23 points, the most for the junior in a Wolfpack uniform. The performance beat his previous NC State best of 21 points scored in last season's Heritage Game against Western Carolina.
NC State was efficient from the floor, shooting 54 percent (36-for-67). It marked the first time this season that the team has eclipsed the 50 percent shooting mark. Part of that efficiency came from the team's attack in the paint as it posted 42 points in the lane on Tuesday night.
Markell Johnson tallied a season-high 16 points to accompany eight assists. The senior guard has now dished out eight or more assists in three of four games played this season. Jericole Hellems added 12 points, and D.J. Funderburk also reached double digits (10 points) on an impressive 5-for-7 shooting.
Four NC State players pulled down at least five rebounds, marking the fourth time this season the team has done so (Daniels - 5, Manny Bates - 6, C.J. Bryce - 6, Jericole Hellems - 6).
The Pack opened the game with an 11-0 lead, holding Alcorn State scoreless for the first 5:30 of the contest. NC State's defensive pressure led to five steals in the opening 11 minutes, which converted to 12 early NC State points.
The Braves crept back at the end of the first half, pulling within nine points (39-30) with two minutes remaining thanks to a 12-1 run over 3:15, but the Pack took a 44-32 lead into the locker room.
NC State knocked down three from distance in the first three minutes of the second half to put its lead over 20 points. Alcorn State would get no closer than 17 for the remainder of the game.
NC State is back in action inside PNC Arena on Saturday, Nov. 23 to face Little Rock. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ACCNX.
