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March 10th, 2007

Thoughts from the semifinal win over Virginia Tech

By tanner on March 10th, 2007

TAMPA, Fla. — A few thoughts from the ACC Tournament win over Virginia Tech.

Spooky – On the day that would have been the late Jim Valvano’s 61st birthday, everything seemed to go N.C. State’s way. Free throw after free throw dropped, while Virginia Tech couldn’t hit water if it fell out of a boat.

North Carolina fans – During the North Carolina-Boston College game, the St. Pete Times Forum was packed with North Carolina fans. The atmosphere was like a home game for the Tar Heels. And while most Carolina fans cheered on N.C. State in the game against Virginia Tech, I don’t think that will happen tomorrow. Unless State fans buy some more tickets or have other schools’ fans support the Wolfpack, the St. Pete Times Forum will sound a lot like the Dean Dome for the ACC Championship game.

Engin Atsur’s hamstring – Senior guard Engin Atsur went into the locker room late in the first half, but returned to lead his team to victory. The long and short of it is, Atsur is hurt. He’s hurt and he’s important – very, very important – to N.C. State’s success.

If Atsur isn’t 100 percent or can’t even play tomorrow against North Carolina, the Wolfpack will have to get something more from redshirt sophomore guard Trevor Ferguson than what he’s demonstrated he can do in the past.

After the game he said he was ready for the challenge.

“Even when you don’t play regularly, you have to prepare like you’re going to play,” he said. “I’m ready to go whenever.”