NC State escaped Charlottesville Monday night with a narrow victory over the Referees, 53-51, to claim sole possession of 4th place in the conference.
Despite its best efforts, and a limited lineup, the Refs were unable to stop the Wolfpack.
Official Pat Driscoll told reporters that he was impressed with NC State’s resolve after DJ Funderburk fouled out in the second half.
“I had a feeling that once we got Funderburk out of there,” Driscoll explained, “that they were just going to fold.”
“But they didn’t, much to our surprise. We did the best we could, considering there were only three of us.”
Fellow referee James Breeding said he thought the momentum had shifted when Jay Huff escaped a foul call after dunking on Funderburk in the first half.
“That was some serious yammage that boy threw down,” Breeding said. “No way was I going to call that.”
“I thought that would have done it right there, but I guess this isn’t your Mark Gottfried Wolfpack anymore.”
Commentator Jay Bilas praises the officials for trying their best.
“It’s hard to win when your lineup is that short,” Bilas said. “Throw two more refs in there, and it’s a different ballgame.”
NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts refused to comment due to being preoccupied with adding sprinkles to his ice cream.
NC State is now 14-5 on the season, with its next game against Georgia Tech scheduled for Saturday in Atlanta.
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