NC State staves off a meltdown and beats Virginia Tech, 73-69

Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty ImagesThe recap is slow coming together because I’m having trouble putting together thoughts on what just happened, which was definitely a disaster, and yet somehow also a disaster that did not result in a loss.

NC State took a nine-point lead into the last minute after a Tech free throw, then turned the ball over on in-bounds plays three straight times, the first two of which led to Tech three-pointers, the third becoming a re-turnover gift from the Hokies that probably saved State’s night.

It really is amazing how such a small amount of time can suddenly feel like an oppressive eternity, and NC State did an incredible job of putting this game into the air with a…