NC State Basketball

#22 NC State Steamrolls Louisville 72-42 in Their ACC Opener

Published

12 months ago

December 15, 2024

NC State’s 22nd ranked Women’s Basketball team steamrolled Louisville 72-42 on the road today in their 2024-25 ACC opener.

The Wolfpack’s defense was smothering, holding the Cardinals to 23.9% shooting from the field, 8.7% from three and 50% from the free throw line. Louisville’s 42 points is the fewest points NC State has held an opponent to, and fewest points the Cardinals have ever scored against the Wolfpack.

NC State didn’t shoot lights out, but they didn’t need to. The Wolfpack shot 43.9% from the field. They did shoot well as a team from beyond the arc, hitting 36.8% from three.

Freshman Guard Zam Jones’ performance was near perfection. Her 18 points was a career high, making 7 of her 8 shots, and 3 of 3 from three.

Career day for Zamareya Jones 👏@PackWomensBball | @PackAthletics | #GoPack pic.twitter.com/P8t4IVw8lM

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) December 15, 2024

Senior Guard Saniya Rivers had her 2nd double-double in a row, with 14 points (5-11 FG) and 13 boards (season high).

Senior Guard Aziaha James couldn’t find her shot, but did find ways to contribute otherwise. She led the team with 5 assists and 3 steals, and also had 9 rebounds. James had 11 points, shooting 5 of 19 from the field, and 1 of 8 from three. She didn’t attempt a single free throw.

Sophomore Zoe Brooks was solid, scoring 11 points on 5 of 8 shooting.

The Wolfpack’s frontcourt has been decimated by injuries this season. Senior Caitlin Weimar was the projected starter at the 5 heading into the season. She transferred in from Boston University this offseason, and was the Patriot League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year last year. She hasn’t played a single snap this season, and had to have surgery. Her status for the remainder of the season is unknown. Senior Lizzy Williamson is also out, having to have surgery.

Sophomore Mallory Collier has been starting in Weimar’s place, but she hasn’t been the presence on the boards the Wolfpack needs. Freshman Tilda Trygger had a career high 10 rebounds today in 15 minutes of play, which is a good sign.