:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52563613/usa-today-9212314.0.jpeg)
Florida State was coming into this game hoping to win their 13th straight contest, which would've set a new program record. North Carolina State was coming into the game hoping to prove their win four days ago over Notre Dame was no fluke, by knocking off their second straight ACC heavyweight. The Wolfpack did just that as, they took down the Seminoles in Tallahassee, 70-61. FSU falls to 13-2 (1-1 ACC), while NC State improves to 12-3 (2-0 ACC).
It was apparent early that this wouldn't be a normal game for the Seminoles. Passes weren't crisp, shots were off, defensive rotations were slow (or non-existent). There is a basketball term for this game: "clunker". It's tough for any team to play its best for all 30 regular season games. This was the game where FSU had its (first) disappointing performance.
However, the Pack deserves a lot of credit. NC State entered the game allowing just .752 points per possession (15th nationally), so they've been tough all season to score against. That was certainly true tonight, as they held the 'Noles to 34.8% shooting, 13.4% lower than FSU's 48.2% season average.
FSU was perfect from the line, but only got there seven times. The Pack was 20 for 25 from the charity stripe. Dominique Wilson led NCSU in scoring with 19 points, but 14 of those came at the line. Chelsea Nelson also had a great game for NC State with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Once again, Leticia Romero led FSU with 20 points (4-7 3PT). Chatrice White was the only other Nole in double-figures, scoring 12 points, while also grabbing seven rebounds.
Even though NC State is obviously a quality team, the 'Noles are elite and should've had no trouble at home. Sagarin had FSU as 17-point favorites. It was just a bad night for FSU all-around. Sue Semrau's squad needs to move on to the next game. This one can be dismissed as a clunker as long as FSU comes out and plays up to its talent level on Thursday in Chapel Hill. The Seminoles will face North Carolina at 7pm on the ACC Network Extra (ESPN 3).