Instant observations: NC State blows 15-point lead at Virginia Tech

fleischman_noah

Jan 15, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Ben Middlebrooks (34) handles the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies forward Tobi Lawal (1) and guard Brandon Rechsteiner (7) during the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- The drought will continue. NC State entered the game without a win away from the Lenovo Center this season, and when it seemed like it was finally going to escape that, the Wolfpack’s inability to rebound cost it on the road at Virginia Tech. NC State’s missed offensive rebound with 18 seconds allowed Virginia Tech’s Jayden Shutt to get a 3-point look off seven seconds later. It missed, but the Wolfpack couldn’t grab the defensive board and senior guard Marcus Hill was credited with a foul up 1. Shutt, a Duke transfer that hadn't scored in the past two games, knocked down both of his free throws to put the Hokies up 1 with 2.3 seconds left and Virginia Tech held on to win 79-76 inside Cassell Coliseum on Wednesday night. The blown lead marked the Wolfpack’s second of the season after it squandered a 14-point advantage at Virginia on New Year’s Eve. Senior guard Jayden Taylor led the way with 17 points, while senior forward Ben Middlebrooks added 13 and senior guard Marcus Hill chipped in with 12 for the Pack. Here are three observations from the Pack's loss to the Hokies.