Most of the ACC teams in action Friday night had the predictable easy
openers. Not State.
Sidney Lowe's first team was lucky to beat Wofford at home, winning only
when Engin Atsur hit a couple of late free throws.
State only went seven deep, with one of them being a walk-on.
On the bright side, unlike the Sendek years, State managed to score 92
points. On the other side, however, they gave up 88 - to Winthrop.
Some real positives though: State only had 10 fouls and nine turnovers,
pretty good for a team with no point guard and a bunch of guys who didn't play
much last year, Engin Atsur and Gavin Grant excepted.
Having a nailbiter with Wofford is not anyone's idea of a good time, but all
things considered, State showed some signs of good coaching.
B.C. predictably clubbed New Hampshire, 86-47, Virginia Tech clobbered Coppin
State, 94-43, Georgia Tech took out Elon 83-49, and Clemson almost doubled
Arkansas State, 83-44.
In Saturday's games, Wake takes on James Madison, Clemson hosts Monmouth, and
Miami plays one of Matt Doherty's one-and-done employers, Florida International.