Engin Atsur has left the Michigan/NC State contest with a strained hamstring, and is unlikely to return.
This is a tough blow to an already thin Wolfpack squad. NC State has played without Atsur in the preseason though, and most likely Braxton Albritton will get a chance to help out in the backcourt. Gavin Grant will take on point guard responsibilites, a role in which he will excel.
Update (11/28/2006): Despite the Atsur injury, the Wolfpack managed a 74-67 win over the Michigan Wolverines. Ben McCauley led the way with 19 pts and 8 rebs, while Brandon Costner added a double-double with 17 pts and 11 rebs. The Wolfpack won despite the Atsur injury, and tough nights for Gavin Grant (15 pts, 7 asts, 7 tos, 3-13 FGs) and Courtney Fells (10 pts, 5 rebs, 3-12 FGs).
Ben McCauley showed a toughness and agility that he did not show in his freshman season. McCauley also guarded Michigan's top scorer Sims and managed to stay out of foul trouble, only 2 for the game. With the lack of depth, it will be critical for McCauley and Costner to stay on the floor, which both achieved against Michigan playing 37 and 39 minutes, respectively.
The Wolfpack exercised a 2-3 zone for most of the game, which helped save the legs of the NC State players. The zone was something the Pack implemented just a few days prior to the Michigan game.
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