No question that State is a young team, but it doesn't mean they have to be a stupid one.
Nonetheless, they were at the end of the game against Boston College.
First they were helpless against Reggie Jackson, who blew by Lorenzo Brown as if he were standing still and torched State for 29 points.
Then, with State holding a three-point lead, the defense collapsed.
First, Jackson had a two-point basket. Then Biko Paris hit a three, followed by one from Corey Raji, followed by another from Paris.
When it was over, the Eagles had a six-point lead with just over two minutes left, and the Pack was finished.
As the final seconds ticked down, Sidney Lowe's face told the story: anger, frustration and disbelief as his team collapsed under pressure with no more resistance than a house of cards.
Look, things happen and as Jeff Bzdelik will tell you, you just have to grow up and work through them.
In State's case, a game like this can be a turning point, and they could turn either way: watch the rest of the season collapse, and gain strength and grow.
On the other hand though, Boston College is sitting pretty. Picked by most people to finish around 10th in the ACC, they are currently in first place and along with Duke and UNC, are undefeated. As of today, Steve Donahue is the leading candidate for ACC Coach of the Year.
Two games to consider on Wednesday as Georgia Tech visits Clemson one day late after heavy snow, and Maryland heads to Wake Forest.
At 0-2, Maryland's ACC record does not reflect their progress. They are viewing this game as a must-win and honestly, they should, particularly if they play with the intensity they showed at Cameron.
In the other game, given Georgia Tech's erratic play and Clemson's power inside, we would have to take the Tigers.
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