NC State 68 #18 Ole Miss 61: Box Score, Highlights & Analysis

The NC State Women’s Basketball team (5-3) picked up their 1st win against a ranked team of the 2024-25 season tonight, defeating #18 Ole Miss (5-3) 68-61 in the ACC/SEC Challenge.

The Wolfpack got off to a hot start, leading by 16 points at halftime. With 2:40 left in the 3rd Quarter, NC State was up by 22 points. At the end of the 3rd Quarter, the Wolfpack was up by 17.

The Rebels proved they wouldn’t go away easily, fighting all the way back to make it a 2-point game with 2:01 left in the game. Fortunately, NC State finished the game on a 7-2 run.

The Wolfpack shot 46.3% from the field in the game, and shot 57.1% from three, hitting 8 from beyond the arc. NC State’s defense was elite in the 1st half, holding Ole Miss to 26% shooting from the field. The reason the Rebels made a comeback, is because they shot 48% in the 2nd half. For the game, NC State held Ole Miss to 36.5% shooting from the field.

The Wolfpack became turnover prone in the 2nd half, which is another reason they allowed a big lead to dwindle, committing 14 of their 22 turnovers in the 2nd half. Ole Miss scored 24 points off of turnovers.

Lastly, NC State couldn’t buy a free throw in the 2nd half, making 6 of 13 from the charity stripe in the 2nd half. For the game, the Wolfpack shot 50% from the free throw line.

The Wolfpack were +10 in the rebounding battle. They were +6 in second chance points.

Sophomore Zoe Brooks led the Pack with 19 points, shooting 8 of 13 from the field.

Freshman Zam Jones had 14 points and 5 boards. She couldn’t miss tonight, hitting 5 of her 6 shots, and hit all 4 of her three point attempts.

The young Wolfpack guard duo was key tonight.

Senior Guard Aziaha James had 11 points and 5 boards, but shot poorly, making 4 of her 14 shots.

Senior Guard Saniya Rivers had 10 points, 6 boards and a team high 4 assists. She was 2 of 4 from three.

Senior Guard Madison Hayes and Sophomore Center Mallory Collier tied for the team lead in rebounds, with 9.

Next up for the Wolfpack is a game this Sunday against Old Dominion at home at 2pm.