Ben Middlebrooks has significantly impacted NC State's defensive strategy against Zach Edey, showcasing a strong defensive performance that has been crucial for the team. Despite not attempting a shot, Middlebrooks has been highlighted as NC State's second-best player in the game, following DJ Horne. His defensive efforts have included battling Edey effectively, good ball-screen coverage, and forcing a held ball at the start of the second half. Middlebrooks' defense has caused Edey, the reigning Wooden Award winner, to struggle, limiting him to four points and one made field goal over a significant stretch of the game since 9:28 left in the first half. However, Middlebrooks and teammates Casey Morsell and DJ Burns have faced foul trouble, with Middlebrooks picking up his third foul with 15 minutes left, and Morsell and Burns also accumulating fouls early in the second half.
Middlebrooks is giving Edey fits this half.
Middlebrooks has been so good just mucking things up for Edey.
Zach Edey has one field goal since 9:28 left in the first half. NC State doing a terrific job with Middlebrooks and bringing help when he puts it on the floor. But Middlebrooks just picked up his third foul with 15 minutes left. Burns also with 3.
Ben Middlebrooks hasn’t attempted a shot, but he’s been arguably NC State’s second-best player tonight after DJ Horne. Giving Zach Edey a different look and spacing the floor. Great minutes.
Ben Middlebrooks has done a really good job defending Zach Edey, forcing him to work for everything. The reigning Wooden Award had a stretch of four baskets in five minutes midway through the first half, but has just four points and one made field goal in the last 13:36.
Edey hasn't gotten a shot attempt yet this half. NC State doing a nice job harassing him when he gets the ball, either guards digging or Middlebrooks pawing at the ball.
In the first 92 seconds of the second half, Ben Middlebrooks and Casey Morsell picked up their second personal fouls... and DJ Burns picked up his third. NOT ideal for NC State.
Ben Middlebrooks starts the second half, guards Zach Edey, and forced a held ball.
Ben Middlebrooks has been terrific defensively since checking in for DJ Burns. Committed a foul there but has battled Edey and been good in ball-screen coverage.
Edey having a little more trouble with Middlebrooks than he did against Burns