Instant observations: NC State falls short at Duke for fifth straight loss

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Marcus Hill NC State — Jan 27, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Marcus Hill (10) drives to the basket as North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Marcus Hill (10) defends during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

DURHAM — NC State has had a knack for playing close games this season. That was no different when the Wolfpack entered Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium for a Monday night clash in a rematch of last year's Elite Eight meeting. And the Pack's struggles to close in tight games continued with the second-ranked Blue Devils on the other side in a hostile environment. NC State, which led by as many as 13, fell 74-64, its fifth straight loss. The Wolfpack had a chance to tie on multiple possessions in the final four minutes, but the Blue Devils went to a 2-3 zone that had NC State's offense disjointed on three straight trips down the floor. Senior guard Dontrez Styles led NC State with 18 points, while freshman guard Trey Parker had 15, including a trio of 3-pointers. Here are three observations from the Wolfpack’s fifth consecutive loss.