Amber Aniston • December 22, 2024

NC State Closes Non-Conference Play with 89-63 Win Over Rider

The NC State Wolfpack capped off their non-conference schedule with a dominant 89-63 victory over Rider at PNC Arena on Sunday. The Wolfpack, now 8-4 on the season, showcased their offensive depth and defensive intensity, setting a strong foundation as they prepare for the rigors of ACC play. 


A First-Half Statement 

NC State came out firing on all cylinders, delivering a clinical first-half performance. After Rider opened the scoring with a three-pointer, the Wolfpack responded with a 52-20 run, effectively putting the game out of reach by halftime. 


The Wolfpack shot an impressive 65.4% from the field in the opening period, including 4-for-8 from beyond the arc. Jayden Taylor and Marcus Hill led the charge, combining for 21 points and 10 assists in the first half alone. The defensive effort was equally impressive, holding Rider to 29.6% shooting and forcing nine turnovers. NC State’s ball movement was a highlight, with 15 of their 21 first-half field goals coming off assists. 


By halftime, NC State held a commanding 52-23 lead, marking their highest-scoring first half of the season. 


 


Rider’s Second-Half Push 

Despite the significant deficit, Rider came out strong in the second half, outscoring NC State 40-37. T.J. Weeks Jr. and Jay Alvarez spearheaded the effort for the Broncs, combining for 34 points and hitting several contested shots to keep Rider competitive. 


Rider shot 46.9% from the field in the second half and limited NC State’s three-point shooting to just 20%. However, the Wolfpack’s balanced scoring and defensive stops in critical moments ensured Rider’s rally would fall short. 


The Broncs’ offense found success through aggressive drives and better execution, as Weeks Jr. and Alvarez attacked NC State’s interior defense with effective finishes. Rider also cleaned up their ball-handling issues in the second half, reducing their turnover count and finding more open looks on offense. 




Key Performances Propel NC State 

Jayden Taylor led the Wolfpack with 16 points, connecting on 5-of-7 shots, including three three-pointers. Taylor also added two assists and a steal in a highly efficient 24 minutes of play. 


Marcus Hill showcased his playmaking abilities, contributing 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Ben Middlebrooks and Breon Pass each added 12 points, with Middlebrooks anchoring the defense with three blocks. Dennis Parker Jr. led the team in rebounding with five boards, complementing his eight points. 


Freshman guard Chase Landry provided a spark off the bench, contributing seven points and two steals in 12 minutes of action. His high-energy play was instrumental during a second-quarter run that helped the Wolfpack extend their lead to over 20 points. 


The Wolfpack’s depth was on full display, with 14 players seeing action and 13 contributing to the scoring column. The team’s unselfishness was evident in their 21 assists on 29 made field goals, highlighting their emphasis on ball movement and teamwork. 


 


Dominance in Key Areas 

NC State’s defensive effort set the tone for the game. The Wolfpack recorded eight steals and forced 14 turnovers, converting them into 18 points. Their defense also limited Rider to just 1-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc in the first half. 


Offensively, NC State controlled the paint, outscoring Rider 40-28 inside. Despite being outrebounded 36-32 overall, the Wolfpack’s efficiency on both ends of the floor proved decisive. The team’s ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line was another factor, as they went 15-of-18 from the charity stripe. 


NC State’s transition offense was also a standout feature, with the team scoring 22 fast-break points. Guard play was instrumental in pushing the pace, as Taylor and Hill consistently found open teammates in transition for easy buckets. 


 


Looking Ahead 

With the non-conference slate complete, NC State now turns its attention to ACC play, beginning with a New Year’s Eve matchup against Virginia. The team’s performance against Rider highlighted areas of strength, including their depth, ball movement, and defensive intensity, which will be critical as they face tougher competition. 


Head coach Kevin Keatts expressed confidence in his team’s growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their focus and discipline as they transition into conference play. The matchup against Virginia, one of the ACC’s top defensive teams, will be a significant test of the Wolfpack’s offensive capabilities. 


For Rider, the loss marked the end of their non-conference schedule. The Broncs will look to regroup during the holiday break before hosting Manhattan on January 5 in their MAAC opener. The team’s ability to make second-half adjustments against NC State offers a promising glimpse of their potential as they prepare for league competition. 


 


Building Momentum 

NC State’s 89-63 victory over Rider was a testament to their growth and potential heading into conference play. The team’s ability to execute on both ends of the floor, coupled with standout performances from Taylor, Hill, and Middlebrooks, showcased their capability to compete at a high level. 


As the Wolfpack prepare for the challenges of ACC competition, this win serves as a confidence booster and a reminder of what they can achieve when firing on all cylinders. With a balanced roster and clear areas of strength, NC State enters the next phase of their season ready to make an impact in the highly competitive ACC. 

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