RALEIGH, N.C. - For the second straight game, TSU men's basketball ran into a hot-shooting team from the three-point line despite five players scoring in double figures in a loss at NC State.
The Wolfpack opened the game on a 14-2 run within the first 3:11 aided by four three-pointers from Paul McNeil, Jr. On the offensive end, TSU would only get two shot attempts off during that span as Zaire Hayes and Bryce Roberts put together consecutive baskets to cut the deficit to 17-7 with 15:57 left.
TSU would go nearly four minutes without a bucket until Duane Posey's layup with 12:04 left as the Wolfpack went on a 7-2 surge for a 24-9 lead. The Tigers cut the margin to 25-13 after a Troy Hupstead trey two minutes later but the Wolfpack answered with a 20-6 surge over the next few minutes to lead 45-19 as the Tigers shot 3-of-16 from the field during that span. NC State would end the half ahead 51-28 despite a late charge by TSU.
TSU would cut the margin to 21 early in the second half but NC State responded with a 20-2 surge over the next six minutes to put the game out of reach.
Zaire Hayes led TSU with 17 followed by 14 each from Bryce Roberts and Alex Anderson. Duane Posey added 12 while Troy Hupstead chipped in with 11 and finished one rebound short of a double-double.
TSU is back in action on Monday at 4 p.m. against Abilene Christian inside the H&PE Arena.
