The explanation for N.C. State's late-season surge in the ACC tournament and into tonight's first-round game in the NIT is not rocket science.
"Defense," freshman guard Scott Wood said, solving the mystery of the 5-2 finish with one word.
N.C. State travels to South Florida tonight at 8 (ESPNU) for its first-round matchup on a hot streak of turning opponents cold. In the past seven ACC games, the Wolfpack has held opponents to 58.7 points per game, 14 points fewer than it allowed in the previous seven ACC games -- not so coincidentally, all losses.
"We've definitely picked it up on defense," Wood said. "That always helps."
To Wood's point, in three ACC games, State didn't allow Clemson, Florida State or Georgia Tech break the 60-point mark. In its first 12 ACC games, a 2-10 start, the Pack gave up 60 or more points 11 times.
Wolfpack coach Sidney Lowe attributes the improved defense to effort and to understanding.
"We're learning how to play together," Lowe said.
State's resurgence can't all be attributed on the defensive end. Wood and guard Javier Gonzalez have stepped up their contributions, complementing forward Tracy Smith's inside scoring.
Wood went 10-for-17 from 3-point range in the ACC tournament and averaged 11 points per game.
Gonzalez has been on the uptick since being called out by Lowe after a loss to Maryland on Feb. 17. In the seven games since, Gonzalez has averaged 10.5 points per game with 21 total assists and 21 rebounds.
More important, as State's best two outside shooters, Wood and Gonzalez are learning when to shoot and when to feed Smith in the post.
"We're playing smarter and taking better shots," Wood said.
Smith, who leads the team with 16.9 points per game, went back-to-back games with only eight shots attempts -- both losses. In the six games since, he has taken at least 11 shots and 15 in the first-round win over Clemson.
Despite banging with three of the ACC's best big men -- Clemson's Trevor Booker, Florida State's Solomon Alabi and Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors -- Smith held his own.
"He stands toe-to-toe with all those guys," Lowe said. "He has carried the load for us this year."
Smith hasn't had to do as much with the extra help from Wood and Gonzalez and with State's defense giving up fewer points.
