In an emotional rematch at the Rady Children’s Invitational, NC State Wolfpack could not overcome the challenge posed by the No. 13 Purdue Boilermakers. Ending the game with a 71-61 loss, NC State not only suffered their first defeat of the season but also relived the painful outcome of last season’s Final Four loss. While the result was disappointing, head coach Kevin Keatts and his team remain optimistic, using the game as a learning opportunity for the road ahead.
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First Half: Competitive but Incomplete
From the outset, NC State entered the game with high energy and determination, competing on equal footing against a strong Purdue team. Jayden Taylor, NC State’s standout performer, scored 15 points to keep the game close, trailing just 33-32 at halftime. However, the cracks in NC State’s game began to show, particularly in rebounding and shooting efficiency. Purdue, led by an outstanding performance from Trey Kaufman-Renn, started asserting dominance on the boards, which foreshadowed the struggles of the second half.
Second Half: Turnovers and Rebounding Woes
After halftime, NC State faltered. In the first 12 minutes of the second half, the Wolfpack managed to make only three of their first 10 shots while committing six turnovers. This allowed Purdue to pull away, building a 55-42 lead with just over eight minutes left in the game. Trey Kaufman-Renn, a 6-foot-9 forward, was unstoppable, finishing with 22 points and eight rebounds, cementing Purdue’s control over the game.
Head coach Kevin Keatts admitted, “We need to execute better and find the right people. But overall, I liked how we competed against a very good team. There are lessons to be learned from moments like this.”
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Key Areas for Improvement
1. Lack of Fast-Break Scoring
NC State’s inability to capitalize on fast-break opportunities was a glaring weakness. Coming into the game, the Wolfpack averaged 28.4 fast-break points per game, making it a hallmark of their early-season success. However, against Purdue, they managed just eight fast-break points in the entire game, well below their usual production.
Keatts explained that rebounding struggles hampered their ability to transition effectively. “The issue is, we didn’t rebound well. You can’t run if you don’t control the boards. We have to clean that up,” he said.
2. Continued Struggles from Three-Point Range
Three-point shooting remains a significant challenge for NC State. Entering the game with a 28.6% success rate from beyond the arc—ranking 306th nationally—they continued to falter, making only four of 17 attempts (23.5%) against Purdue. This inefficiency limited their ability to maintain pressure on Purdue in the second half.
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“Purdue did a great job of forcing us into tough three-point shots,” Keatts said. “The good thing is we stayed competitive. We’re growing, and that’s what matters.”
3. Rebounding Challenges
A critical factor in NC State’s loss was their inability to compete on the boards. Purdue dominated with a 38-28 rebounding advantage, taking full control of the paint. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, a 6-foot-10 forward for NC State, acknowledged the team’s need to be more aggressive, saying, “We need to box out and focus on the details. The first player to make contact has the best chance to secure the rebound.”
A Bright Spot: Huntley-Hatfield’s Performance
Despite the loss, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield was a standout performer for NC State. The transfer from Louisville scored 13 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and contributed two assists while committing no turnovers in 29 minutes. His strong showing highlighted his potential as a reliable player who can make a significant impact as the season progresses.
Lessons for the Future
While the defeat was disappointing, NC State demonstrated they could compete with a top-tier team like Purdue. Their resilience and competitiveness in the first half showed promise, even though inconsistencies in execution ultimately cost them the game. Coach Keatts emphasized the importance of using this experience as a stepping stone. “We’re not far off. This is a learning opportunity to become better,” he said.
Next Game
NC State will face Brigham Young in the consolation game on Friday, a chance to rebound and regain momentum. Meanwhile, Purdue will meet No. 23 Mississippi in the tournament final, promising an exciting showdown.
Conclusion
The loss to Purdue serves as a valuable learning experience for NC State Wolfpack as they continue their journey this season. Despite areas that need improvement, the team has shown potential and the determination to grow. With lessons learned from this game, the Wolfpack are poised to come back stronger in their upcoming challenges. Fans can look forward to seeing how they rise to the occasion in the battles ahead!
