#9 NC State Women’s Basketball Beats Duke 63-51, Ties Best Start in School History

The #9 NC State Women’s Basketball squad opened up ACC play with a 63-51 victory over the Duke Blue Devils last night, improving their perfect record to 14-0.

The 14-0 start ties the best start in school history, matching what the 1999-2000 squad did.

It was fitting that the Wolfpack victory was on Kay Yow Court last night, because the 1999-2000 team was coached by Yow, finishing with a 20-9 record, and a #23 ranking in the final polls.

For the 6th time this season, NC State had 4 players in double-figures. The Wolfpack was led by Redshirt Junior Guard Grace Hunter’s 14 points. Unfortunately, NC State’s leading scorer also went down with what looked to be a serious leg injury in the final minutes of the contest.

The loss of Hunter would be devastating, considering the Wolfpack already lost Graduate starting Guard Kaila Ealey prior to the start of the season.

Junior Guard Aislinn Konig matched Hunter’s 14, knocking down 4 of her 9 three-point attempts. Konig ranks 7th in program history in career three-pointers made.

Junior Forward Erika Cassell and Freshman Center Elissa Cunane both chimed in with 11 a piece. Cunane came off the bench, and did her damage in only 18 minutes of play.

The Wolfpack have now won three straight against the crosstown Blue Devils at home, and five of the last six overall. NC State didn’t just beat Duke…they held them to their worst performance of the season (lowest points (51) and lowest field goal percentage (29.1%)).

NC State will head up to Boston College (11-3) for their 2nd conference game this Sunday at 2pm

Photo Credit: Chris Baird