NC State men’s basketball’s late-game problems continue as they lose to Duke, ranked second, 74-64.

The NC State Wolfpack’s 74-64 loss to the No. 2 ranked Duke Blue Devils on January 27, 2024, showcased the glaring issue that has plagued the team throughout the season: late-game execution. While NC State’s performance over the first 30 minutes of the game displayed promise, their inability to finish strong—especially in the closing moments—ultimately led to another disappointing loss. The game was a microcosm of the Wolfpack’s struggles, as they once again failed to capitalize on crucial moments when the game was still within reach.

This defeat marks another tough setback for NC State, who has shown flashes of brilliance but faltered under pressure. On the other hand, Duke—led by coach Jon Scheyer—showed why they are considered one of the top teams in the nation. The Blue Devils’ ability to control the game late, combined with their depth and talent, ultimately outpaced the Wolfpack’s valiant efforts.

In this analysis, we’ll examine the game from multiple angles, breaking down NC State’s struggles in late-game situations, the individual performances of key players, and what this loss means for the rest of their season. We will also explore Duke’s strengths and how they were able to stifle NC State’s offensive attack in critical moments.

First Half: NC State’s Strong Start

For the first 30 minutes of the game, NC State seemed to be holding their own against the nationally ranked Duke team. The Wolfpack came out with energy and defensive intensity, managing to stay within striking distance throughout the first half. They executed well on both ends of the floor and showed a level of composure that suggested they were capable of hanging with one of the best teams in the country.

Offensive Efficiency: One of the brightest spots in the first half for NC State was their offensive execution. The Wolfpack moved the ball well, ran crisp offensive sets, and got good looks. Senior guard Jarkel Joiner was especially effective, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Joiner finished the first half with 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers that helped NC State keep pace with Duke. The Wolfpack also used their transition game effectively, getting easy baskets in the open floor. When NC State is running, they are at their best, and for a good stretch of the game, they were able to push the pace against the Blue Devils.

Defensive Efforts: Defensively, NC State executed well against Duke’s potent offense. The Wolfpack managed to limit Duke’s inside scoring, forcing the Blue Devils to take contested shots. The defensive scheme, which included aggressive trapping and hard closeouts on Duke’s perimeter shooters, worked well for the first portion of the game. However, as the game progressed, NC State began to show signs of wear, and their defense started to break down—particularly when it mattered most.

Rebounding: NC State also did a solid job on the glass, particularly on the defensive boards. Players like DJ Burns Jr. and Casey Morsell helped secure key rebounds and limit Duke’s second-chance opportunities. However, there were still lapses in boxing out, and Duke’s size advantage was able to make a significant impact in the second half.

At the break, the Wolfpack were down by just five points, 35-30, a position from which they could mount a second-half comeback. They had stayed competitive in all aspects of the game, but their inability to convert in clutch moments would prove costly later on.

Second Half: A Tale of Two Halves

The second half began with the Wolfpack continuing to hang with Duke. For much of the half, the game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a dominant lead. However, with about 8 minutes left in the game, Duke began to assert control. This shift was partly due to their defensive pressure but also due to NC State’s inability to execute when it mattered most.

The Turnaround: With the game still within reach, NC State had opportunities to keep the contest close. However, their offensive execution began to deteriorate. Turnovers, missed free throws, and poor shot selection—particularly from beyond the arc—began to mount. Duke capitalized on these mistakes, going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to double digits with just over 4 minutes remaining.

Duke’s Defense Tightens: Duke’s defense was the key difference in the second half. The Blue Devils applied more pressure on the perimeter, forcing NC State’s shooters into tough situations. Duke also ramped up their interior defense, which, combined with their rebounding advantage, stifled NC State’s efforts to attack the rim. NC State’s late-game struggles have been a consistent theme all season, and once again, the Wolfpack’s inability to execute under pressure was exposed by a more polished and disciplined team in Duke.

While NC State fought hard, led by Joiner and Burns, it was clear that the team lacked the poise and composure to finish the game strong. On the other hand, Duke demonstrated why they are ranked so highly: they know how to put teams away when it counts. Freshman Tyrese Proctor and sophomore Kyle Filipowski made key plays down the stretch, while the leadership of senior Jeremy Roach provided the stability needed to close out the game.

Key Players: A Tale of Two Teams

The game was marked by strong individual performances on both sides, but it was the consistency of Duke’s key players that ultimately made the difference.

Jarkel Joiner (NC State):

Jarkel Joiner was arguably NC State’s best player on the night, finishing the game with 20 points. His ability to create offense both for himself and others kept the Wolfpack in the game for much of the contest. However, Joiner’s efforts weren’t enough to overcome the team’s late-game struggles. Despite his impressive scoring output, Joiner couldn’t get enough support from his teammates in critical moments.

DJ Burns Jr. (NC State):

DJ Burns Jr. had a strong showing in the paint, contributing 16 points and 7 rebounds. He did a good job of battling against Duke’s frontcourt and creating opportunities inside. However, Burns struggled to get the ball in crucial situations during the final stretch of the game, and NC State’s offense stalled as a result.

Kyle Filipowski (Duke):

Kyle Filipowski, the talented sophomore forward for Duke, was a key factor in the second-half surge for the Blue Devils. Filipowski finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing his ability to score in a variety of ways. His versatility as both a scorer and a rebounder made him a matchup nightmare for NC State’s defense. Filipowski’s presence in the paint also helped Duke control the boards, limiting NC State’s offensive opportunities late in the game.

Jeremy Roach (Duke):

Jeremy Roach provided steady leadership for Duke, scoring 15 points and dishing out 6 assists. Roach’s ability to take control of the game in the final minutes allowed Duke to withstand NC State’s push and finish the game strong. His clutch shooting and decision-making down the stretch were crucial in helping Duke seal the win.

Tyrese Proctor (Duke):

Proctor, a freshman guard, also made key contributions down the stretch. Proctor finished with 14 points and showed his ability to handle pressure situations. His poise and maturity for a freshman were evident, as he calmly hit important shots to help Duke maintain their lead in the final minutes.

The Wolfpack’s Late-Game Woes: A Season-Long Issue

The loss to Duke serves as another example of a recurring issue for NC State this season: their inability to execute late in games. Whether it’s poor shot selection, turnovers, or failure to convert at the free-throw line, the Wolfpack have consistently struggled to close out games when the stakes are highest.

This issue has been a major concern for NC State throughout the season. While the team has had plenty of moments where they’ve shown their potential, these late-game failures are beginning to undermine the progress they’ve made. As the season progresses, NC State will need to find a way to close out games more effectively if they are to have any hopes of a successful postseason run.

The loss to Duke not only highlights the Wolfpack’s struggles but also emphasizes the gap in execution and experience between them and top-tier teams. While Duke’s poise and depth were evident, NC State will need to address their own inconsistencies if they want to be taken seriously as a contender in the ACC.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for NC State?

NC State’s loss to Duke drops their record to 14-7, and their late-game issues are something that will need to be addressed before the team faces tougher competition in the coming weeks. The Wolfpack will look to rebound in their next few games, where they will face ACC opponents who will challenge their ability to close out games.

Head coach Kevin Keatts will need to work with his players on improving their composure in clutch situations, particularly focusing on ball control and shot selection. The team also needs to find more balance offensively, relying less on isolation plays and instead working the ball to get high-percentage shots.

If NC State can address their late-game problems and tighten up their execution, they still have the talent to make a push for a solid postseason position. However, their road ahead will require greater consistency and the ability to rise to the occasion when the game is on the line.

This loss to Duke should serve as a learning experience for NC State. If they can channel their early-game success into a full 40-minute effort, they can still make some noise in the ACC. However, their late-game struggles will continue to be the central question as they navigate the rest of the season.