Wolfpack’s Offensive Onslaught Overwhelms UAB in Home Opener
RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — In a dominant display of offensive firepower, the North Carolina State Wolfpack overwhelmed the UAB Blazers 94 to 70 in a non-conference men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Friday night at a raucous Lenovo Center.
The Wolfpack, playing their home opener, improved their season record to 2 wins and 0 losses, building on a season-opening blowout victory against North Carolina Central. UAB, coming off a lopsided win of its own against Mississippi Valley State, evened its record at 1 win and 1 loss.
From the opening tip, North Carolina State’s offense operated with ruthless efficiency, leaving the Blazers scrambling defensively. The Wolfpack’s shooting was prolific, connecting on a high percentage of their attempts from the floor and from beyond the three-point arc. Their performance easily eclipsed pregame expectations, as they not only covered the 16-point spread but also saw the total score of 164 land just under the over/under line of 163.5. Interstat’s ELO system had given the Wolfpack a slight edge with a 53.40 percent probability to win, a forecast the home team rendered conservative with their commanding play.
The Wolfpack’s victory was a showcase of balanced scoring and explosive individual efforts. Quadir Copeland led the charge with a game-high 18 points, dishing out 5 assists in a dynamic 10-minute stint that set the tone for the evening. His backcourt mate, Darrion Williams, was equally formidable, contributing 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 11 minutes on the court.
The offensive onslaught continued with Jr. Paul McNeil, who matched Copeland’s scoring output with 18 points of his own, adding 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Tre Holloman rounded out the quartet of high-scoring guards, chipping in 14 points and 5 assists. While the guards filled the scorebook, Musa Sagnia controlled the paint, pulling down a remarkable 10 rebounds in only 6 minutes of action to anchor the Wolfpack’s interior defense.
Facing this multifaceted attack, UAB struggled to find consistent answers. The Blazers were led by Jacob Meyer, who finished with a team-high 15 points and 5 rebounds. Chance Westry provided a spark with 14 points and 4 assists, while Daniel Rivera posted a strong all-around line of 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a blocked shot.
Despite the efforts of players like KyeRon LindsayMartin, who added 8 points and 6 rebounds off the bench, and Evan Chatman, who logged a team-high 32 minutes and secured 10 rebounds, UAB could not slow the Wolfpack’s offensive machine. The Blazers’ shooting percentages from the floor, three-point range, and the free throw line all paled in comparison to the red-hot numbers posted by North Carolina State, creating a deficit too large to overcome.
The game solidifies North Carolina State’s promising start to the season as they look ahead to a challenging schedule. Their next contest is at home against UNC Greensboro on Wednesday, November 12. They will later face high-profile opponents in a tournament in Lahaina, Hawaii, and host Kansas in a marquee non-conference matchup in December.
For UAB, the loss serves as a early-season test against a power conference opponent. The Blazers will aim to rebound when they return to Birmingham to host Alabama State on Tuesday, November 11. Their upcoming slate includes a multi-team event in Jacksonville, Florida, and a road trip to face Middle Tennessee and Drake.
The Wolfpack’s comprehensive victory, fueled by a deep and talented roster, sends a clear message to the rest of the ACC and the nation that they intend to be a formidable force this season. For the Blazers, the game highlighted areas for improvement as they continue their campaign outside the national spotlight.