For about a month or so, NC State was the toast of Raleigh, winning 11 of 14 conference games.
However, the Pack was absolutely drummed by Clemson -- completing a sweep by the Tigers this year -- over the weekend, with a 25-point loss dredging up worthy concerns about the state of State's defense.
The Wolfpack is not used to playing the role of frontrunner, and may be reading too many press clippings these days. With State's margin for error not quite as big as one might think -- they've won conference games by four, two, three, and two points -- the Pack can't afford to be lackadaisical with the defense that has sparked its offense all season long.
In a victory over Wake Forest, NC State allowed the Deacs to shoot over 50% and surrendered a dozen three-pointers, and that trend continued against Clemson, which shot a staggering 59.6% from the field and 52.6% from the arc (10-19).
Compounding matters, guard Terquavion Smith -- already a streaky and overrated pure shooter who is better as a creator -- has struggled of late, shooting just 32.1% from the floor (34-106) and 25% (14-56) on three-pointers over the past seven games.
At the same time, backcourt mate Jarkel Joiner has elevated his game and stolen the spotlight, becoming the unquestioned leader of the Pack attack. Is Smith forcing up shots as a result?
The answer to this question and others will start to be answered tonight, when the Wolfpack visits Durham to take on Duke in the regular-season finale. State stomped the Blue Devils in early January, blowing their doors off to the tune of a 24-point "W" that saw the Pack put in the walk-ons with multiple minutes remaining.
Regardless of the outcome, NC State has to find its footing tonight in a game that carries implications for the ACC and NCAA tourneys. The process of recasting themselves as overlooked underdogs who will be difficult outs for any postseason opponents starts this evening in the most hostile of environments.
Stay tuned.
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