Boston College had a one-point lead with just over a minute left against NC State. They set up a shot for their go-to guy, number 24, but he airballed it. As he walked back, BC’s number 10 gave him a little slap on the back, rubbing it in. NC State’s Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner didn’t say much then, but they responded on the court. BC missed again, and NC State’s number 2 broke down a defender and scored to take the lead. Then, number 24 stole the ball from number 10 and let him know about it.
With the lead and under 15 seconds left, NC State held possession. Boston College never fouled, even though they had chances to stop the clock. Their bench was yelling to foul, but the players didn’t act. NC State ran the clock down, hit another shot, and put the game away. BC had 2.3 seconds and just threw up a desperate heave. They didn’t try to advance or set up a shot. The camera caught the coach looking defeated, muttering that it was on him for not preparing them better. NC State’s number 24 got the last word, both on the court and reportedly off it too. Boston College gave the game away by losing focus and not finishing smart.