Wolfpack Roll Past The Citadel in Season-Opener

RALEIGH, N.C. – Forward DJ Burns scored 16 points to lead the North Carolina State Wolfpack to a 72-59 victory over the Citadel Bulldogs in the PNC Arena

With the win, NC State improves to 1-0. The Citadel falls to 0-1. 

The Wolfpack has a record of 43-2 in non-conference season-opening games.

Forward DJ Burns Jr. started the game hot opening with three layups to go 6-2 in the first quarter to help get ahead of The Citadel. 

NC State took advantage early, going 22-11 to stay in the lead for the remainder of the half.

The Citadel played good defense to put up a fight and lessen the gap. However, the Wolfpack used a string of defensive plays to hold the Bulldogs and extend their lead going into the halftime break.

At halftime, NC State led The Citadel 36-27. The Wolfpack were led in the first half by forward DJ Burns Jr., who finished the half with 12 points and two rebounds. For the Bulldogs, both guards AJ Smith and Madison Durr led the way in the first half with nine points and two rebounds.

After a slow start to the half, Forward Mohamed Diarra made the first score, a three-pointer, making the score 39-27 almost three minutes into the second half. The Bulldogs looked to cut their 15-point deficit with 11:37 remaining. 

NC State stayed consistent and took control of the game before taking its triumph in a 59-72 victory in front of the roaring fans.

NC State was led by forward DJ Burns Jr. finishing with 16 points and four rebounds. Guard Micheal O’Connell followed up with 14 points and three rebounds. 

The Bulldogs were led by guard AJ Smith with 15 pts.

Up next, NC State will host Abilene Christian on Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. EST at the PNC Arena.