#20 NC State Falls to #7 LSU 65-82 in the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship Game

The 20th ranked NC State Women’s Basketball team lost to #7 LSU 65-82 in the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship Game today in the Bahamas.

The Wolfpack were dominated on the glass. The Tigers outrebounded them by 20. This was a concern heading into the season, especially with Caitlin Weimar’s injury. NC State is basically playing a 4-Guard lineup.

NC State’s defense couldn’t do much to stop LSU’s offensive attack. The Tigers shot 52.7% from the field, 50% from three and 85% from the free throw line. The Wolfpack couldn’t get into the lane, scoring only 18 points in the paint.

On the other hand, LSU held NC State to 35.9% shooting from the field.

The Wolfpack was effective at being disruptive, forcing the Tigers to commit 21 turnovers.

Senior Guard Saniya Rivers led the way for the Wolfpack, with a season high 21 points (8-19 FG/2-4 3PT).

Senior Guard Aziaha James didn’t have a good shooting day, making 4 of her 13 shots, finishing with 13 points. She did lead the team with 4 assists.

Sophomore Guard Zoe Brooks had 12 points (4-7 FG), but turned the ball over 5 times.

Senior Guard Madison Haayes had 11 points, shooting 4 of 9 from the field, and 3 of 7 from deep.

Sophomore Center Mallory Collier led the Wolfpack with 6 boards.

NC State finds themselves in a precarious situation through 7 games, with a record of 4-3. The Wolfpack didn’t pick up their 3rd loss last season until February 8th. NC State entered today’s game ranked 20th, but after today, I would expect them to fall out of the Top-25 entirely. The Wolfpack started the season ranked 9th.

NC State will be back in action at home next Thursday against #18 Ole Miss in the ACC/SEC Challenge at 7pm on ESPN2.