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.