The University of Akron Athletics
Men's Basketball Falls to N.C. State, 66-45
November 21 | Men's Basketball
- The University of Akron men's basketball team lost to North Carolina State 66-45 on Friday at Ocean Center in the third-annual Glenn Wilkes Classic.
N.C. State (2-0) used a 17-4 run over the opening 6:34 to take control and built its first-half lead to as much as 24 points on two occasions. The Wolfpack shot 68 percent (17-of-25) from the field in the opening period and closed out the game at 64.7 percent (22-of-34) from the floor. After leading 43-21 at the half, N.C. State's lead did not dip under 16 points in the second stanza.
Akron (0-2) struggled from the field and free throw line, converting 30.9 percent (17-of-55) and 38.9 percent (7-of-18), respectively. The Zips, who have opened a season 0-2 for the first time since 1996-97, were on the losing end of a 39-26 rebounding margin.
UA's only player in double-figure points was Anthony "Humpty" Hitchens, who finished with 10 to go with a game-high three steals. Darryl Roberts and Nikola Cvetinovic put up eight points each for the Zips.
Tracy Smith led N.C. State with 16 points and 11 rebounds and Dennis Horner also pitched in 16 points.
The Wolfpack were forced into 26 turnovers, compared to 14 by the Zips. N.C. State had 16 assists on its 22 made field goals and Akron had 12 steals.
UA will face Drake on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. ET.
