Kansas defeats NC State 76-77

Kansas Edges NC State in Thrilling 77-76 Upset

In a back-and-forth contest that had the Lenovo Center crowd on their feet, Kansas (away) emerged victorious with a 1-point win over North Carolina State (home), 77-76.

The game was tied at halftime, each team having scored 30 points, but it wasn't until late in the second half that the lead changed hands. With just over 2 minutes remaining, NC State took the lead, only to see Kansas tie it with a bucket from Melvin Council Jr. As time wound down, both teams struggled to find an open shot, leading to a tense finish.

Council Jr., who led all scorers with 36 points (9-15 3PT), was instrumental in the Jayhawks' comeback. His ability to hit clutch shots and penetrate into the paint allowed Kansas to stay ahead of NC State's relentless offense.

For NC State, Quadir Copeland led the Wolfpack's charge, scoring 19 points while grabbing 11 rebounds. However, despite his impressive all-around performance, he was unable to prevent the loss.

The outcome of this non-conference matchup will have significant implications on both teams' seasons. Kansas, ranked in the top 10, will gain valuable experience against a tough opponent, while NC State, a rising power in the ACC, saw its chances at an early tournament seed slip away.

Advanced statistics show that both teams struggled with efficiency, but it was Kansas's ability to hit from beyond the arc (11-30 3PT) and limit NC State's fast break opportunities (7 points off turnovers) that ultimately made the difference.