Wolfpack Surges Past Chanticleers: Taylor’s 22-Point Performance Leads NC State to Third Straight Victory
In a commanding display of offensive prowess, the NC State Wolfpack extended their winning streak to 3-0 with an 82-70 victory over Coastal Carolina at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The Wednesday night showdown showcased the Wolfpack’s depth and defensive tenacity, with Jayden Taylor emerging as the standout performer.
Taylor, who led all scorers with 22 points on efficient 8-of-15 shooting, ignited the Wolfpack’s second-half surge. His explosive start after halftime helped spark a decisive 10-0 run that broke open what had been a close game.
“Taylor simply took over,” remarked one courtside observer as the guard outpaced the entire Coastal Carolina team in scoring during the first 4:10 of the second half.
The victory didn’t come without early challenges. Despite the Wolfpack opening with a quick 7-0 lead behind Brandon Huntley-Hatfield’s strong start, the Chanticleers kept things tight through the first half.
oastal Carolina’s Rasheed Jones put on an impressive shooting display, draining 4-of-5 three-pointers en route to 12 first-half points that helped keep the visitors within striking distance at 35-33 heading into the break.
Coach Kevin Keatts’ halftime adjustments proved crucial. The Wolfpack’s defensive intensity ramped up notably in the second period, disrupting Coastal Carolina’s rhythm and creating transition opportunities.
Supporting Taylor’s offensive outburst, Trey Parker added 13 points on a highly efficient 6-of-8 shooting, while Huntley-Hatfield contributed 13 of his own.
Despite shooting 0-for-10 from beyond the arc, NC State managed to win, as revealed by an interesting wrinkle in the stat sheet. The Wolfpack compensated by shooting a solid 47.4% from the field overall, showcasing their ability to find high-percentage shots closer to the basket.
For Coastal Carolina, Jones finished with a team-high 17 points, while Denzel Hines and Jordan Battle each contributed 14 points. Hines also led all rebounders with eight boards in a losing effort.
The victory sets up an intriguing matchup for NC State, who will host Colgate on Monday in Raleigh. With three non-conference wins under their belt, the Wolfpack continue to build momentum as they eye the upcoming challenges of their ACC schedule.
“This team shows real promise,” noted a longtime NC State observer. “The balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and ability to overcome shooting struggles all point to a squad that’s growing more cohesive with each game.”
The win adds another chapter to NC State’s perfect record against Coastal Carolina, which now stands at 4-0 all-time. As the Wolfpack continue their early-season campaign, they’ll look to build on the defensive improvements and offensive efficiency displayed in this convincing victory.