Women's Basketball
NC State WBB Heads to Sweet Sixteen with 79-67 win over USF
You couldn’t have had more of a mirror image of back-to-back games for the Wolfpack. Down early before breaking out in the 3rd quarter, to beat South Florida 79-67. This trip marks the third-straight season that the Pack make it to the Sweet Sixteen.
Physicality Overload
We know coming in, that while South Florida may not have the size, they’re physical. There wasn’t a single possession, especially in the first three quarters, where Cunane wasn’t getting harassed inside. The stats show it. Cunane finished with a double-double (12 pts / 11 boards) but was only 3-15 shooting. Lots of looks inside that needed 10% more drive to finish, that didn’t come. Her efforts weren’t lost, however as the Bulls bigs Mununga and Leverett, both fouled out.
This is 100% the template to beating this Wolfpack squad, play physical defense and never allow them to fully get in their groove.
Wes Moore Must Have a Hell of a Halftime Speech
No doubt, USF came to play today. At one point they were shooting 55% from the field (with 50% from three), both nearly 20% higher than average. A team that normally averages 7 threes a game, had 5 by the end of the first. State couldn’t quite make runs early, simply because of USF’s three-point game.
Then Wes did his thing.
The third quarter always seems to be the time where State pushes it up a couple notches. State went on a 24-11 run, set plays were perfect and rebounding improved. As the NCAA Tournament continues, we need State to find ways to start out faster.
Boyd is Unreal
First news hit that Kayla Jones was out…from Vegas. State’s line dropped by 5 points and one could only assume why. But no fear, Boyd shows why she’s not only the ACC’s Sixth Player of the Year, but probably the best bench player in the country. Finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds, she was the spark that State needed today.
In the end, a wins a win. All five starters got into double digit points. State will now await the winner of Belmont and Indiana.
The NC State women were a 7 seed, picked to move on over 10-seeded Princeton, but that’s not how it worked out.
The Pack women were plagued by turnovers (20) and Princeton capitalized with a late 3 to clinch the win. Highlight above.
Sad day for NC State all around.
The NC State Women’s Basketball (16-5) team moved up 5 spots in the Week 13 AP Poll, after defeating Notre Dame 69-65 yesterday, who was ranked 7th then, and ranked 9th now.
(ESPN)
ACC Teams in the Week 13 AP Poll
9. Notre Dame
11. UNC
13. Virginia Tech
15. NC State
16. Duke
23. FSU
The Wolfpack’s next game will be on Thursday night on the road at Georgia Tech at 8pm on ACC Network.
#20 NC State picked up a much needed win last night against Miami, defeating the Hurricanes 71-61 in PNC Arena, avoiding a 3-game skid.
Sophomore Guard Saniya Rivers led the pack with 14 points, 6 steals, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
As long as she keeps working, @PackWomensBball Saniya Rivers ( @Ihoop___22 ) is going to be a really fun @wnba player to cover in a few years.
(Until then, I’ll enjoy watching her, @haileyvanlith , NC State & @LouisvilleWBB on ABC Sunday at 1pm et.)— Rebecca Lobo (@RebeccaLobo) January 19, 2023
Seniors Camille Hobby and Mimi Collins both had 11 points.
Sophomore Guard Aziaha James had 10 points, and led the Pack with 6 rebounds.
The Wolfpack was without Jada Boyd and Jessica Timmons last night, and River Baldwin went down with an injury, and will have an MRI tomorrow.
NC State is now 14-5 overall, and 4-4 in ACC play, and will play at Louisville on Sunday at 1pm on ABC.
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