Instant observations: NC State falls to Texas in ACC-SEC Challenge

by: Noah Fleischman12/05/24fleischman_noah

Dec 4, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (1) shoots the ball past Texas Longhorns forward Arthur Kaluma (6) during the first half of the game at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State wanted to shake its winless trip to the Rady Children's Invitational in San Diego over Thanksgiving. Wolfpack coach Kevin Keatts didn't think his team did enough of the little things to win, which resulted in an 0-2 cross-country trek. But with Texas in town for the ACC-SEC Challenge, it seemed like NC State was able to clean up its play, but it fell just short in a 63-59 loss on Wednesday night at Lenovo Center. Senior wing Dontrez Styles led the Wolfpack with 17 points, while senior guard Marcus Hill added 16. Senior forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield chipped in with 10 against the Longhorns. Here are three observations from NC State's third straight loss.