North Carolina State Wolfpack Outrun Pittsburgh Panthers with Second Half Surge at Petersen Events Center

The North Carolina State Wolfpack improved their record to 1-0 after defeating the Pittsburgh Panthers, who now stand at 0-1, with a final score of 81-72. The game was held at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, where the Pack showcased a strong performance in the second half to secure their victory.

First Half

The first half saw both teams battling for control as they exchanged leads multiple times. The Panthers managed to edge out a slight lead early on, capitalizing on fast break opportunities and second-chance points. However, NC State's defense kept them within striking distance by forcing turnovers and converting them into points off turnovers. By halftime, the score was tightly contested with Pitt leading 33-34.

Second Half

In the second half, NC State came out firing on all cylinders. Their offensive efficiency improved significantly as they shot an impressive 54 percent from two-point range and maintained an effective field goal percentage of 54 percent overall. Ven-Allen Lubin played a pivotal role in this surge by contributing crucial rebounds and scoring efficiently inside the paint.

Key Performances

Quadir Copeland emerged as a standout player for NC State with his playmaking abilities, recording nine assists while also adding valuable points to his team's tally. His ability to orchestrate plays allowed teammates like Jerry Deng and Darrion Williams to find open looks and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

On the defensive end, Musa Sagnia's presence was felt through his steals and blocks that disrupted Pitt's offensive rhythm. The Pack's collective effort resulted in ten steals throughout the game which proved instrumental in shifting momentum during critical moments.

Final Thoughts

Despite Pitt's efforts led by their bench contributions totaling thirteen points along with notable three-point shooting accuracy at thirty-eight percent; it wasn't enough against NC State’s relentless attack that culminated into forty-seven second-half points securing their win.

Looking ahead for fans eager about upcoming matchups: Mark your calendars! The next challenge awaits when North Carolina State hosts Syracuse Orange at Lenovo Center located in Raleigh scheduled for January 27th at 7:00 PM EDT broadcasted live via ESPNU network channel – don't miss it!

For those interested further insights check out our detailed North Carolina State Wolfpack vs Pittsburgh Panthers review along with exclusive post-game interviews capturing reactions straight from players themselves!

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