In Greensboro, N.C., Paul McNeil Jr. led North Carolina State to a 76-62 win over Mississippi. He knocked down six 3-pointers and finished with 19 points, giving the Wolfpack a solid edge.
Quadir Copeland and Tre Holloman chipped in big, too, helping N.C. State stay in control. The Wolfpack now sit at 9-4, a record that’s starting to look pretty good.
Paul McNeil Jr. Shines with Six 3-Pointers
McNeil was on fire, hitting all 12 of his shots from deep and racking up 19 points. That’s the kind of shooting that changes games, and it sure did here.
He also pulled down six rebounds, proving he’s not just a shooter. That versatility? It’s valuable, no question.
McNeil’s Impact on the Game
His knack for draining threes kept the Wolfpack out front. In the first half alone, McNeil went 4-for-6 from deep, and N.C. State took a 45-26 lead into halftime.
With that kind of cushion, Mississippi just couldn’t quite get back in it.
Quadir Copeland and Tre Holloman: Key Contributors
McNeil might’ve grabbed the spotlight, but Copeland and Holloman were right there with him. Copeland put up 16 points, handed out nine assists, and grabbed seven boards—talk about all-around impact.
Holloman came off the bench and splashed three 3-pointers, also finishing with 16 points. Not bad for a guy not in the starting five.
Copeland’s All-Around Performance
Copeland did more than score. Those nine assists? They kept the offense humming.
Seven rebounds, too. He just seemed to be everywhere.
Holloman’s Impact off the Bench
Holloman’s threes came at just the right times, stretching the lead when it mattered. He didn’t get a ton of minutes, but made them count.
That’s the kind of bench spark every coach wants.
Ven-Allen Lubin: Efficient Scoring
Ven-Allen Lubin quietly put together a strong night, dropping 15 points on 7-for-8 shooting. Efficient, steady—he just kept the pressure on Mississippi.
Lubin’s Role in the Game
His accuracy helped N.C. State keep momentum. When you’re hitting nearly every shot, it’s tough for the other team to claw back.
Lubin’s showing just adds to the Wolfpack’s depth.
Mississippi’s Struggle: Key Players and Moments
Mississippi had some bright spots, even if the result wasn’t there. Travis Perry led the Rebels with 21 points, hitting 5-of-11 from deep.
Malik Dia notched his second double-double of the year, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Still, it just wasn’t enough against N.C. State’s steady attack.
Perry’s Scoring Prowess
Perry’s 21 points kept Mississippi afloat. He found his range from distance, but the gap was just too wide.
Sometimes, a hot hand just isn’t enough.
Dia’s Double-Double
Dia’s 18 and 11 showed his grit. He battled all night, but N.C. State’s depth made the difference.
Game Recap: Key Moments and Runs
N.C. State started fast with a 14-5 run in the first five minutes. Lubin scored seven, and Holloman capped it with a three.
Perry hit a jumper to cut it to 16-12, but Copeland and Holloman answered with back-to-back threes. The lead was back to 10, and the Wolfpack never really looked back.
First Half Dominance
N.C. State owned the first half. McNeil’s 12 points (4-for-6 from deep) pushed the lead to 45-26 at the break.
Perry had 11 before halftime for Mississippi, but they couldn’t keep pace.
Second Half Control
After halftime, N.C. State kept their foot down. McNeil hit two more threes early in the half, and suddenly it was 59-31.
Mississippi tried to rally, but the Wolfpack kept things steady and closed it out.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Games
Next up, Mississippi hosts Alcorn State on December 29. N.C. State, meanwhile, faces Wake Forest in their ACC opener on December 31.
These games could say a lot about where both teams are headed.
Mississippi’s Next Challenge
Mississippi gets a shot to bounce back against Alcorn State. They’ll need to regroup and fix what went wrong in Greensboro.
N.C. State’s Conference Opener
N.C. State’s game against Wake Forest is shaping up to be a real test. It’s the start of conference play, so there’s a bit more on the line than usual.
The Wolfpack want to keep their momentum going. After how they played against Mississippi, expectations are pretty high—maybe even a little too high, if you ask some folks.
For more details on the game and player performances, you can visit the full article on Fox Sports.
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