Bryce Returns, NC State Storms Past Miami

RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State Wolfpack (12-5, ACC 3-3) dominated in the second half as they cruised to an 80-63 victory against the Miami Hurricanes (10-6, ACC 2-4). With C.J. Bryce missing the last four games, N.C. State had only three guards dress out to play – Markell Johnson, Devon Daniels and Braxton Beverly in their last outing against Virginia Tech.

Within the first four minutes of the first half, C.J Bryce checked into the game and the Wolfpack faithful erupted. Coach Kevin Keatts spoke highly of him after the game.

“It’s glad to have him back,” Keatts said,  “Not just because he’s our leading scorer, but it’s good to have him in the locker room and we needed senior leadership on and off the court.”

Bryce scored his first basket of the game by nailing a mid-range jumper at the 12:09 minute mark left in the second half, he finished with six points, five assists, two steals, two rebounds, and a block. He mentioned how it felt after making that first shot

“It’s one of the shots that I take and I make and its no surprise to me,” Bryce said. “I was in the flow of the game. I was trying to make plays, not wanting to make certain contacts, tried not to dive on the floor.”

Bryce mentioned after the game that he needs to get back in game shape.

With the short bench the last two weeks, the Wolfpack has played just seven or eight guys, two out of the last three games. Tonight was another exception. Keatts played ten players tonight – spreading the minutes around – now that players are back healthy.

“First off, it was good to have a full team,” Keatts said, ” A roster full of guys ready to get into the game”.

After the Virginia Tech game, the question was does the lack of depth cause the Wolfpack to hold back on their typical full-court pressure? 

“We got to press a little bit more even though there was more man-to-man coverage,” Keatts said. “With that being said it, helped us guard the three-point line.”

This was a great demonstration of team basketball when you think about it. Sophomore forward D.J. Funderburk led the team with 19 points, 8 rebounds and an assist. Three other NC State players scored in double-figures: Devon Daniels (15), Jericole Hellems (11), Markell Johnson (10). Almost every single player scored a basket and each of them made a great defensive effort when they were on the floor.

Over the last four games, the Wolfpack has only forced opponents into 41 turnovers. The 41 forced turnovers are the fewest over a four-game stretch in the Kevin Keatts era at NC State. In tonight’s game the Wolfpack forced 15 turnovers,

“That’s a very good positive going forward,” Keatts said. “As long as we continue to press the ball.”

The NC State Wolfpack has now moved to 10-1 at PNC Arena. Up next, they continue their homestand this Saturday, Jan. 18, against Clemson at 2 p.m.