THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 25, 1996 TAG: 9601250557
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RALEIGH LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
North Carolina State is writing the definitive ``how-to'' on blowing close games in the ACC, and the final chapter could be the firing of coach Les Robinson.
The Wolfpack dropped its third straight heartbreaker Wednesday, falling to Georgia Tech 76-71 at Reynolds Coliseum. The Wolfpack is now 1-5 in the ACC and Robinson admitted that his job could be in serious trouble.
``I've had my back to the wall before, but not to this degree,'' he said.
Robinson, 74-89 in 5 1/2 years at N.C. State, has been under heavy pressure from Wolfpack fans for the past two years. In a 10-minute postgame talk, he acknowledged the concerns of fans while launching a mild defense of his record.
``Certainly I've made mistakes,'' he said. ``All I can say is I'm doing the best job I can.''
Wednesday's loss followed what has become a familiar pattern. The Wolfpack had a nine-point lead early in the second half, but let it slip away with tentative play.
``Our guys are just really uptight, and feeling the spiral we're in,'' Robinson said. ``We've just got to relax and play, and not give up.''
Robinson said concern of his future is hampering his team's play.
``Players can't play with something of that magnitude on their shoulders,'' he said. ``We're under a tremendous magnifying glass.''
N.C. State fell to 11-7 overall, while Georgia Tech improved to 12-8, 5-1 in the ACC. Matt Harpring led the Yellow Jackets with 18 points, while Stephon Marbury had 11, all in the second half.
``It was a tremendous game,'' coach Bobby Cremins said. ``State could as easily be 4-1 as 1-4. The parity in this league, people don't realize that.''
The final nail for the Wolfpack came with 27 seconds remaining and Georgia Tech ahead 71-69. Harpring missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity, but the rebound slipped through the hands of N.C. State's Todd Fuller. Harpring grabbed the ball, was fouled, and hit two free throws.
Asked if the play typified his career at State, Robinson had to agree.
``We've had some really tough times. The first year was fun, but that was so long ago, we've all forgotten it. I know I have.'' by CNB