Lucas: NC State Rapid Reactions

By Adam Lucas

1. No other way to put it: that's a very disappointing start to Atlantic Coast Conference play and a very difficult way to go into a quick Christmas break. NC State survived two Tar Heel three-pointers at the buzzer to win, 79-76.

2. Carolina shouldn't have needed those late attempts to tie, but they played themselves into a deep hole by allowing a 14-2 run late in the second half. After closing within 63-62, the Tar Heels missed shots and committed three straight turnovers before righting the ship. Those three turnovers turned into five Pack points.

3. Carolina's defense the first 15 minutes of the game wasn't good. Playing with a smaller lineup out of necessity because of the…