WATCH: #2 State WBB Finds Way to Win at Syracuse 68-61

There were moments in Sunday’s contest, that the casual observer wouldn’t know who was #2 in the nation and who was just trying to find an 8th seed in the NCAA tournament. NC State clamped down play late in the fourth to win on the road 68-61.

Physical Play

While only putting up three points, Syracuse’s center Cardoso gave State all they could handle early, until foul trouble shortened her playing time late. Cunane at times, would find herself under the basket, head down, just hoping for any opportunity to create separation for a shot. Syracuse had ELEVEN blocks on the day and truly made the paint a “grind it out” battle zone.

By the end of the first half, the trio of Cunane, Brown-Turner and Jones accounted for only 10 points. Credit to Syracuse for applying pressure, willingness to body up and slide for help.

Roll Players Step Up

The same week she earned ACC 6th Player of the Year Award, Jada Boyd was State’s best player. She finished with a double-double (16 points and 10 boards) and three huge steals. With Cunane getting worn down early (although she put up a State-high 17 points with 10 in the 4th), Camille Hobby logged quality minutes, finishing with 8 points and State’s only three-pointer.

Runs Few and Far Between

The game was back and forth, back and forth. State put up an incredible 19-5 run to start the second half before Syracuse came roaring back with a 19-4 run of their own. Outside of those two wild, offensive explosions, both teams took their share of the leads for the entirety of the game. While State controlled Syracuse’s three-point shooting, the Pack themselves couldn’t get going, ending up 1 for 9. Turnovers, steals and points off turnovers were even between the two squads.

Moving Forward

This was EXACTLY the kind of game that State needed moving onto the ACC tournament. The Wolfpack are so good in transition and overall skill play. To go on the road, where they’ve struggle, to an arena like the Dome and win, is big. Add to that, Syracuse is about as physical and hard hustling a team as State will face until the later rounds *Knocks on wood* of the NCAA tournament.

Louisville ended up beating Notre Dame later in the afternoon, so State ends up with the number 2 seed and will get a bye into Friday ACC Quarterfinals.