OBSERVATIONS FROM THE GAME: Chowan

Here are some thoughts and observations from NC State's 111-62 exhibition win over Chowan.

HIGHLIGHTS

* NC State did basically everything it wanted to do offensively. 

Field Goal Shooting: 41-of-70 (58.6 percent)

Three-PoInt Shooting: 9-of-21 (42.9 percent)

If this team shoots anywhere close to that three-point percentage they are going to be a tough out for opponents.

* The Wolfpack had five players score in double-figures and three more score nine, showing the overall balance on the team.  Devon Daniels led the way with 22 points and DJ Funderburk chipped in 20 in 19 minutes.

"On this team, any given game anybody can lead us in scoring," Kevin Keatts stated. "Tonight was Devon Daniels, but I know a lot of guys are capable of it."

* Frequently playing four guards, rebounding must be a point of emphasis and it was a strength here, as State outrebounded Chowan 48-29.

* Nearly all of the hustle stats were in NC State's favor.

* The second half was ideal for the Pack from an offensive perspective. NC State scored 50 points on 61 percent shooting (19-of-31) from the floor. The team had 15 assists on 19 made baskets, which speaks to how well they were sharing the basketball.

* NC State stepped it up defensively in the second half as Chowan shot just 30.6% from the field.  That could be a product of the Wolfpack's defensive pressure likely wearing down the Braves.

* The Wolfpack's versatile roster was on display. At different times Kevin Keatts played two point guards, no point guards, and two forwards on the floor.

"I wanted to play a lot of combinations and see how guys played together," Keatts said.  "We started the game small and at some point we had a traditional four and a traditional five."

* Three different players had at least five assists.  Markell Johnson led the way with six, and Blake Harris and Wyatt Walker each had five.  All five of Walker's assists came in the second half.

* NC State looked extremely comfortable against the zone, which is an early concern given the expected lack of shooting with Beverly out. The Wolfpack frequently put playmakers at the high post and on the baseline, attacking the zone with cutters, spacing, and ball-movement.

LOWLIGHTS

* The margin of victory could have been even larger, but NC State struggled at the free throw line, shooting just 60.6% (20-33).  Freshman Ian Steere hit just 3-of-8 free throws.

* NC State's chemistry isn't going to be where it needs to be given the roster turnover, and that was reflected in the turnovers.  The Wolfpack had 15, including ten in the second half with several coming from players not being on the same page.

STAT OF THE GAME

NC State enters each game hoping to record 40 deflections.  The Wolfpack had 53 against Chowan, which is a major reason for the 24 forced turnovers and 15 steals.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

"I was happy. I thought we flew around tonight. We were in passing lanes, got some loose balls, got on the floor.  That's a sign of a good team getting better. We took a few charges. I was excited about the way we played on the defensive end." -- NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts