Instant observations: SMU thwarts NC State's second-half comeback in 4th straight loss

After NC State worked through three empty possessions in the early going, it seemed like the Wolfpack’s offense figured it out. It worked its way into the paint with a trio of layups, while the Pack didn’t settle for long jump shots.  But after the Wolfpack went on an 8-0 run, SMU was able to pull itself back into the game with its own timely shotmaking. And once the Mustangs made it a game? A 1-3-1 zone appeared.  SMU’s defense caused fits for NC State’s for the final seven minutes of the first half, which allowed the Mustangs to break the game open by halftime. That was all the ACC newcomers needed to hand NC State its fourth straight loss in a 63-57 result on Saturday afternoon at the Lenovo Center, despite a furious second-half comeback effort from the Pack.  The Pack is on its longest losing streak since the last four games of last year’s regular season slate that were all away from Raleigh. Now, NC State has dropped its last three games at home with the team’s loss to SMU being its only loss that wasn’t a one-possession defeat over that stretch.  Senior guard Marcus Hill led the Wolfpack with 14 points, while senior wing Dontrez Styles had 12 and senior guard Jayden Taylor chipped in with 11. Freshman guard Paul McNeil logged a career-high 8 points against the Mustangs. Here are three observations from NC State’s fourth straight loss.