NC State Beats Alcorn State At Reynolds Coliseum Before The Barclays Center Classic Returns To PNC Arena

The Reynolds Coliseum portion of the Barclays Center Classic concluded on Tuesday night between NC State and Akron State in North Carolina’s state capital with NC State coming out on top.

The NC State men's basketball team (4-1) picked up an 87-64 win over Alcorn State (1-4) on Tuesday night inside James T. Valvano Arena at Reynolds Coliseum.

Devon Daniels led all scorers with 23 points, the most for the junior in a Wolfpack uniform. The performance beat his previous NC State best of 21 points scored in last season's Heritage Game against Western Carolina. “according to https://gopack.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-nc-state-defeats-alcorn-state-87-64.aspx

NC State was efficient from the floor, shooting 54 percent (36-for-67). It marked the first time this season that the team has eclipsed the 50 percent shooting mark. Part of that efficiency came from the team's attack in the paint as it posted 42 points in the lane on Tuesday night. “according to https://gopack.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-nc-state-defeats-alcorn-state-87-64.aspx

Markell Johnson tallied a season-high 16 points to accompany eight assists. The senior guard has now dished out eight or more assists in three of four games played this season. Jericole Hellems added 12 points, and D.J. Funderburk also reached double digits (10 points) on an impressive 5-for-7 shooting. “according to https://gopack.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-nc-state-defeats-alcorn-state-87-64.aspx

Four NC State players pulled down at least five rebounds, marking the fourth time this season the team has done so (Daniels - 5, Manny Bates - 6, C.J. Bryce - 6, Jericole Hellems - 6). “according to https://gopack.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-nc-state-defeats-alcorn-state-87-64.aspx

The Pack opened the game with an 11-0 lead, holding Alcorn State scoreless for the first 5:30 of the contest. NC State's defensive pressure led to five steals in the opening 11 minutes, which converted to 12 early NC State points. “according to https://gopack.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-nc-state-defeats-alcorn-state-87-64.aspx

The Braves crept back at the end of the first half, pulling within nine points (39-30) with two minutes remaining thanks to a 12-1 run over 3:15, but the Pack took a 44-32 lead into the locker room. “according to https://gopack.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-nc-state-defeats-alcorn-state-87-64.aspx

NC State knocked down three from distance in the first three minutes of the second half to put its lead over 20 points. Alcorn State would get no closer than 17 for the remainder of the game. “according to https://gopack.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-nc-state-defeats-alcorn-state-87-64.aspx

While NC State came out on top Alcorn State meanwhile suffered their second straight loss.

Closing out a tough road stretch, the Alcorn State University men's basketball program was defeated by NC State 87-64 on Tuesday at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum. “according to https://alcornsports.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-braves-stay-competitive-in-defeat-at-nc-state.aspx

The Braves (1-4) were led by senior Deshaw Andrews who came off the bench to score 17 points. Senior Corey Tillery knocked down a trio of three-pointers and ended with 15 points. Junior Troymain Crosby finished with 11 points and five rebounds, and has scored in double-figures in four straight games. “according to https://alcornsports.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-braves-stay-competitive-in-defeat-at-nc-state.aspx

The Braves were without senior Maurice Howard for the second straight game due to an injury he sustained at practice. Howard was a Preseason All-Conference First-Team selection.”according to https://alcornsports.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-braves-stay-competitive-in-defeat-at-nc-state.aspx

Alcorn ran into a bit of a buzz-saw as the Wolfpack (4-1) shot .537 (36-67) on their home court. Devon Daniels led the charge with 23 points, and Markell Johnson aided the attack with 16.”according to https://alcornsports.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-braves-stay-competitive-in-defeat-at-nc-state.aspx

The Braves got off to a slow start and trailed 11-0 at the 15:08 mark. They got on the board with a three by Tillery, and a lay-up by senior Alonzo Campbell made it 15-5 NC State. “according to https://alcornsports.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-braves-stay-competitive-in-defeat-at-nc-state.aspx

Alcorn trailed 24-13 when the Wolfpack created separation with an 8-0 spurt to lead 32-13 with 8:12 remaining. “according to https://alcornsports.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-braves-stay-competitive-in-defeat-at-nc-state.aspx

Down 38-18, the Braves got back in it after a three-pointer by Crosby sparked an 8-0 run, as a jumper by junior Kobe Wilson cut the deficit to 38-26 with 4:10 to go. Alcorn got it down to single-figures, 39-30, after Andrews hit a jumper with 2:11 left. “according to https://alcornsports.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-braves-stay-competitive-in-defeat-at-nc-state.aspx

The Braves continued to hang around early in the second until an 8-0 run by NC State made it a 57-36 game at the 15:56 mark. The teams exchanged baskets for the last 15 minutes, but Alcorn couldn't find a big run to get back in it. “according to https://alcornsports.com/news/2019/11/19/mens-basketball-braves-stay-competitive-in-defeat-at-nc-state.aspx

NC State will continue the Barclays Center Classic in North Carolina’s state capital as they make their return to PNC Arena that is not only home to the NC State Men’s Basketball team but the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL as well on Saturday when they host Little Rock.