NC State Survives the Lees-McRae Bobcats 79-75

Wolfpack Win Fourth Straight in Final Non-Conference Tune-Up

Raleigh, N.C. - NC State survived a scare from Division II Lees-McRae on Tuesday night, winning 79-75 in their final non-conference tune-up before ACC play begins next week.

Terquavion Smith Leads the Way

Terquavion Smith led the way for the Wolfpack with 24 points, while Jarkel Joiner added 18 points and Casey Morsell chipped in 15 points.

Lees-McRae was led by Jalen Johnson's 22 points, while Justin Johnson added 19 points and Shaun Willett chipped in 13 points.

Wolfpack Survives Slow Start

NC State got off to a slow start, trailing by as many as 10 points in the first half. However, the Wolfpack chipped away at the deficit and took a 39-37 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, NC State extended its lead to as many as 12 points, but Lees-McRae never went away. The Bobcats cut the lead to one point with just over two minutes remaining, but the Wolfpack held on for the win.

Wolfpack Defense Steps Up

The Wolfpack defense stepped up in the second half, holding Lees-McRae to just 33.3% shooting from the field. NC State also forced 12 turnovers in the game.

NC State will now open ACC play on the road at Duke on Saturday, December 3.