Wolfpack Defeats Bucknell in Home Opener

RALEIGH, NC- The NC State Wolfpack Men’s Basketball team opened up regular season play for the 2021 campaign Tuesday night in the first game back at PNC Arena. The energy was vibrant throughout the contest as the Wolfpack defeated Bucknell University 88-70, starting the season off in the win column.

The Wolfpack struggled offensively, with the Bison holding the pack scoreless for the first four minutes. During the first media timeout, Pack Head Coach Kevin Keatts, frustrated, sure had some wise words of his wisdom for his team, knowing he had the confidence that they could cut into the lead and start a run of their own.

Out of the timeout, the pack did just that.

After trailing for the majority of the 1st half, the Pack quickly cut into the Bison lead by pushing the tempo of their offense, playing faster, and forcing numerous turnovers with a tight man-to-man defense that Keatts had run all game to tie the game at 40 at the half.

After halftime adjustments, the Pack completely took over the 2nd half as they forced 17 Bison turnovers. Senior forward Jerricole Hellems (St. Louis, MO) led the scoring for the Pack finishing with 22 points and 4 rebounds shooting 54% from the floor and 43% from beyond the arc. Freshman guard Trequavion Smith (Greenville, NC) also had himself a night totaling 20 points three boards and was very active in the passing lane accumulating four steals in transition.

The Pack owned the boards the whole 2nd half outrebounding the Bison 42-33 and making it very difficult for the Bison to get to their spots, constantly contesting their shots and making them earn everything.

The Pack also displayed a full-court press during parts of the 2nd half that caused problems for the Bison that led to easy transition points, extending their lead to double digits, making it just too much for the bison to handle.

The Pack looks to continue their winning momentum into this Saturday, Nov. 16th when they host Colgate in matinee action at 2 PM at PNC Arena.