FYI Sports Fans | 2006 ACC - Big 10 Challenge

Monday Nov. 27:
NC State - 74     [FINAL]
Michigan - 67

Tuesday Nov. 28:
(19) Maryland - 72     [FINAL]
Illinois - 66

Florida State - 66     [FINAL]
(13) Wisconsin - 81

Penn State - 73     [FINAL]
(24) Georgia Tech - 77

Indiana - 51     [FINAL]
(10) Duke - 54

Miami (FL) - 59     [FINAL]
Northwestern - 61

Wednesday Nov. 29:
Michigan State     [7:00 PM]
Boston College

Iowa     [7:00 PM]
Virginia Tech

Virginia     [7:30 PM]
Purdue

(1) Ohio State     [9:00 PM]
(6) North Carolina

Wake Forest     [9:00 PM]
Air Force

Clemson     [9:30 PM]
Minnesota

Just six minutes into the ball game, NC State found it's starting point
guard out of the game with an apparent leg injury. Engin Atsur suffered
a strained hamstring in Monday night's game against Michigan. Not
only that, the Wolfpack found themselves down by as much as
12-points in the first half of the game. Now

who would of thought NC
State would eventually lead by 20?

The Wolfpack advance to 5-0 on the season, beating the Michigan
Wolverines (7-1) in the first game of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

The Pack owes a huge thanks to it's big man down low, Ben McCauley,
who played more physical than any other player on the court. The
determination of McCauley allowed him to score 19-points and record
8 rebounds. Three other Pack players scored in double figures -
Brandon Costner had 17 points and 11 rebounds, Gavin Grant had 15
points and seven assists, and Courtney Fells dished out 10 points and
got 5 rebounds.

What was a close game in the first half was quickly turned around by
the Wolfpack. NC State came out in their seldom used zone defense,
causing the Wolverines to shoot just 38 percent from the field,
including 8 for 27 behind the arc. Dion Harris lead Michigan in points,

scoring 24, but came up short during their second half rally.

The Wolfpack looked good, but there are some concerns.

First, how severe is the strained hamstring that Atsur suffered? The
Wolfpack were already stretched thin before his injury, and they cannot
afford to lose another player. NC Sports Report has learned that the
injury will be reevaluated Tuesday.

NC State needs to be able to put teams away, and keep them away.
There was no excuse for allowing Michigan back into the game the way
they did. Michigan is a talented and athletic team, but NC State will
meet with better teams come conference play.

Lastly, there were some youthful mistakes made by the Wolfpack. In
the closing minutes of the ball game, we saw Gavin Grant turn the ball
over on a 10-second call, virtually unguarded, and we saw some plays
that were just out of control. Turnovers and poor shot selection in the
closing minutes is what allowed the Wolverines the chance to close
the gap.

NC State will have a lengthy break, taking the court again on Sunday
December 3 at Virginia. This will be Sidney Lowe's first ACC game as
the head coach of the Wolfpack.