NC State ends 2023 with dominant win over Detroit Mercy

RALEIGH, N.C. – Guard DJ Horne scored 26 points to lead the North Carolina State Wolfpack to an 83-66 victory in the final non-conference game over the Detroit Mercy Titans in the PNC Arena.  

With the win, NC State improves to 9-3. Detroit Mercy falls to 0-13 with the loss.  

The Titans got ahead early, partially due to forced fouls on the Wolfpack. NC State responded soon once the Pack got its groove. Guard DJ Horne contributed two three-pointers to help NC State gain the lead. 

There was a lot of back-and-forth through the half. NC State finished on a 5-0 run to close the half with the lead 43-36. 

Guard Marcus Tankersley led the Titans with 12 points at halftime. Horne led the Wolfpack with 20 points and three rebounds.  

 NC State came out of halftime on a 9-0 run topped off with a dunk by guard Dennis Parker Jr.  

Approaching the midpoint in the second half, the game became more back-and-forth in scoring as the Titans worked to cut the deficit. 

NC State started to take control of the game as the clock wound down, despite the Titans working to come back, to seal the victory, 83-66. 

The Wolfpack were led by guard DJ Horne who finished the game with 26 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Forward Ben Middlebrooks followed with 11 points and seven rebounds. Guard Dennis Parker Jr added 10 points and seven rebounds.  

The Titans were led by guard Donovann Toatley who finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and one assist. Guard Marcus Tankersley followed with 20 points and two rebounds.  

NC State won the turnover battle and scored 21 points off turnovers.  

NC State scored 27 points off three-pointers, 18 coming from guard DJ Horne. 

Up next  

Detroit Mercy: Friday 12 pm at IUPUI  

NC State: Wed, January 3rd at Notre Dame 9 pm 

Photo courtesy of NC State Athletics