NC State Falls to #12 Tennessee

SAN ANTONIO –The North Carolina State Wolfpack overcame a 12-point deficit in a tough 79-70 loss against the Tennessee Volunteers at the Frost Bank Center.  

With the loss, NC State falls to 7-4. Tennessee improves to 8-3 with the win.  

Guard Dj Horne started the Wolfpack off sharp and scored three triples within the first six minutes. NC State maintained a good pace. Tennessee managed to match the pace of the Wolfpack to keep the score close throughout the first half. 

Approaching halftime, the Vols tightened up and took the lead with a jumper from forward Jonas Aidoo. NC State guard Kam Woods made a three-pointer to tie the game with :44 seconds remaining in the half. Tennessee responded immediately with a three-pointer from guard Josiah Jordan-James to close out the half. 

Guard Zakai Zeigler led the Vols at the break with 11 points and three rebounds. Horne led the Wolfpack with 13 points and one rebound.  

Tennessee started the second half on a 5-0 run to extend the lead. NC State was able to force and capitalize off five fouls within the first five minutes.  

The Vols started looking better offensively and defensively going on multiple runs and forcing turnovers on NC State.  

NC State picked up some rhythm and went on an 8-0 run, including another triple from Horne, to close the gap, 55-56. 

Guard Jayden Taylor shot a three-pointer to tie the game at 60 with 7:17 remaining. NC State has not led the game since seven minutes into the first half. 

The Vols were able to keep the lead and secure the game, 79-70. 

The Wolfpack were led by guard DJ Horne who finished the game with 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Forward DJ Burns Jr. followed with 15 points and five rebounds. Guard Jayden Taylor added 11 points and four rebounds.  

The Vols were led by guard Josiah Jordan-James who finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Guard Zakai Zeigler followed with 20 points and three rebounds.  

Turnovers were a key part of each team’s performance. NC State was able to force and take advantage of forced turnovers by Tennessee. As the game progressed it became vice versa. Each team scored 20% of its points off turnovers (14 for NC State and 16 for Tennessee). The two teams had a lot of back-and-forth. Throughout the game both teams went on multiple scoring droughts as well as runs. Guard DJ Horne had a standout game, making 4-7 three-pointers. 

Up next  

Tennessee: Thursday 6:30 pm versus Tarleton State  

NC State: Wednesday 7 pm versus Saint Louis