Pack Impressive in Loss

As stated in an earlier post, A New Lowe, I said "a loss wouldn't be the end of the world if State plays with heart, hustles to loose balls, and plays the seventh ranked Orange close," and losing 65-59 would definitely fit that bill.

Sure, the Wolfpack (4-3) lost, but I doubt anyone expected this team without injured senior Tracy Smith to go into the Carrier Dome, three days after losing by nearly 40 at Wisconsin, and take it to Syracuse. As expected, Scott Wood got his shots against the Syracuse zone defense, and finished with six three pointers for a team high 18 points in 39 minutes of action, but the sophomore went cold late when the Pack needed him the most.

As well as they played, they still failed to score a basket in the final 7:20 of the game. Another game, another drought for the Pack, this one following a 10 minute scoring drought against Wisconsin. This turned a six point Pack lead into a six point deficit, costing State the ballgame- that and their 17 turnovers.

How about C.J. Leslie? In his most complete game of his career, the highly regarded freshman showed fans what they were expecting to see when he committed to play for the Pack last spring. His 13 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks kept State in the game, and lead State to a surprising 34-29 advantage on the boards.

Eight different players scored for the Pack, with Wood and Leslie being the only two in double figures. Scoop Jardine led Syracuse with 23 points, as only he and Rick Jackson (16) scored in double-figures for the Orange.

Getting out-shot at the free-throw line also set the Pack back, as Syracuse got to the line 26 times to the Pack's 11. Foul trouble once again played a role for the Pack as Tracy Smith's replacements couldn't keep up in the paint, leading to Richard Howell and DeShawn Painter both finishing with four fouls.

The Pack will look to end this two game losing streak against USC-Upstate this Saturday at home. Tracy Smith is expected to be in the line-up for the first time since the Charleston Classic, and it should be a good chance for him to get back into the swing of things.