Clemson Downs NC State, 96-71

RALEIGH – The NC State men’s basketball team wrapped up the home slate of its 2022-23 campaign on Saturday afternoon with a 96-71 loss to Clemson in PNC Arena.

Clemson shot 59.6 percent for the game, including 62.1 percent in the first half. The Tigers’ shooting percentage was the highest given up by NC State this season.

The Tigers got off to a fast start as a 9-0 run gave Clemson an early 19-6 lead. After a quick 7-2 spurt from the Wolfpack shrunk the Tigers’ lead to as few as eight points, Clemson responded with a 14-2 run to push its lead to 20.

The Pack could never recover, as the Tigers took a 54-29 lead into halftime and an evenly-played second half proved to be too much for NC State to overcome.

DJ Burns led NC State with 24 points. Jarkel Joiner added 16 while Casey Morsell finished with 11 and Terquavion Smith added 10.

The Pack will be back in action for its final game of the regular season on Tuesday, Feb. 28 as the Wolfpack travels to Cameron Indoor Stadium for a matchup against Duke. Tipoff of Tuesday’s contest is set for 7 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.