Instant observations: NC State rolls past Rider to close out non-conference play

After a turbulent stretch against top competition, which featured an 0-4 mark against Power Conference foe, NC State needed a final non-conference tune-up before it hit the meat of the ACC schedule on New Year’s Eve. Well, Rider, a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference squad that entered Raleigh on a five-game losing streak, was the perfect match for the Wolfpack. NC State blitzed the Broncs early and often, which allowed the Wolfpack cruise to an 89-63 win Sunday afternoon at the Lenovo Center.  The Pack (8-3, 1-0 ACC), which has played down to its opponent’s level at times this season, didn’t have an issue with that against the Broncs. NC State controlled the game from the tip and it never felt as if Rider had a chance to pull the upset bid with its largest lead coming on its first possession with a three-point play.  Senior guard Jayden Taylor led the Pack with 16 points, while senior guard Marcus Hill added 11. Senior guard Breon Pass, meanwhile, chipped in with 12 points, including a pair of made 3-pointers. Here are three observations from the Wolfpack’s win over the Broncs.