South Raleigh News

The NC State men's basketball team secured a victory against William & Mary with a final score of 84-61 at the Lenovo Center. This win marks NC State's first 5-0 start since the 2018-19 season when they began with six consecutive wins.

Marcus Hill led NC State in scoring for the second game in a row, achieving 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Jayden Taylor and Dontrez Styles each contributed 12 points, while Ben Middlebrooks added 11 and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield scored 10. Middlebrooks also set a career-high with five blocks, and Huntley-Hatfield was one rebound short of a double-double.

NC State maintained a significant lead throughout the game, entering halftime with a 19-point advantage. Despite an offensive drought that allowed William & Mary to narrow the gap to seven points, NC State regained momentum by scoring nine points in just over one minute, restoring their lead to 16 and eliminating any comeback chances for William & Mary.

In total, NC State dominated fast break opportunities with a 39-7 advantage and capitalized on turnovers by converting them into a 29-15 edge in points off turnovers. After an early deficit of four points at the beginning of the game, NC State responded strongly by holding William & Mary scoreless for six minutes during which they went on a decisive run.

Noah Collier stood out for William & Mary with his contribution of 25 points.

This victory concluded NC State's five-game homestand to open the season. The team will next face Purdue on Thanksgiving Day in what is anticipated as a rematch following last season's Final Four semifinal clash between the two teams. The game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on FS1.