Sometimes reality is exactly how you imagine it. NC State played even with Virginia for a half, but the Cavaliers got better at both ends, Cat Barber was contained, and the Wolfpack ran out of short-term answers. Virginia outscored State by 20 in the second half en route to the 73-53 victory.
NC State's offense has been inconsistent a lot this season, on account of its spotty shooting. Virginia's defense is so good that it can make great offenses look out of sorts. Those extremes met in the second half in the worst conceivable way for the Pack, as UVA built a quick 11-point lead.