QUICK TAKES: Pack Can't Hang On At Wisconsin

NC State led for a majority of the game and held a 12-point advantage in the second half, but No. 22 Wisconsin used a 22-10 run over the game's final seven minutes to pull out a 79-75 home victory Tuesday in Madison over the Wolfpack in the 2018 ACC/Big Ten Challenge. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Torin Dorn Jr. finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes of action. The double-double against a ranked team on the road is key since NC State will likely face that several times in league play. It also indicates Dorn will play like a senior in the big games. 

* The Wolfpack used small lineups often against Wisconsin. This will occur whenever Wyatt Walker has foul trouble on offense, as he did early Tuesday. Dorn's rebounding can help offset the size differential and allows NC State the opportunity to space and drive. 

* Markell Johnson was solid for the most part. He finished with 21 points and five assists. Unfortunately for NC State, he had only one assist in the second half. In the game's most critical play, he went the opposite direction after Walker set a screen, electing to go the direction away from the screen instead of towards it. He then was called for charging, which effectively killed off the contest. 

Johnson hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the first half and then drilled another trey on the opening possession of the second. When he is on, he is dynamic, and his athleticism gives the opposition problems. 

* Rebounding was a win for the Wolfpack, who finished with a 36-30 advantage. NC State also won the battle of offensive rebounding by an 11-8 total. 

LOWLIGHTS

Wisconsin buried 11-of-21 three-pointers in the game. As NC State slumped down to try and handle Ethan Happ, the kick-out on penetration or the run-and-set was there for most of the evening. There are times when teams will simply miss those open shots, but the Wolfpack will need to get better pressure on long-range shooters. Identifying screens earlier would help, as well. 

* NC State had nine assists on 31 made baskets while Wisconsin finished with 16 on 28 field goals. That means the Badgers generally took better shots. The Wolfpack was lucky to hang around late. The shots in the final 5-to-10 minutes of the game were not always quality in nature. 

* Bench Points: Wisconsin 26, NC State 10

* Fast Break Points: Wisconsin 16, NC State 10

PLUS/MINUS

Devon Daniels: +11

Torin Dorn Jr.: 0

Blake Harris: 0

Braxton Beverly: -3

D.J. Funderburk: -3

Eric Lockett: -3

Wyatt Walker: -3

Jericole Hellems: -5

Markell Johnson: -6

C.J. Bryce: -8

STAT OF THE GAME

Team Fouls: NC State 24, Wisconsin 12

The Wolfpack committed 13 fouls in the second half. Wisconsin had six. After Happ was called for an offensive foul with 10:14 remaining, the Badgers committed only one foul for the rest of the contest. NC State was assessed eight fouls during that span. 

QUOTE OF THE GAME

"I thought we had a great gameplan.  We made them play fast. They got to the free throw line a little more than I would have liked, but once again, our guys fought....It's a tough loss for us." -- NC State head coach Kevin Keatts