NC State Defeats Cal 71-60, Improves to 4-0 in ACC Play

NC State improved to 11–4 overall and 4–0 in ACC play yesterday afternoon, defeating Cal 71–60 at Reynolds Coliseum. The Wolfpack extended their winning streak to six games and have now won eight of their last nine.

The Pack led by one point at halftime but locked down Cal defensively in the second half to pull away for an 11-point win. After allowing the Golden Bears to shoot 52% in the first half, NC State held them to just 35% after the break.

NC State shot only slightly better than Cal (44.4% to 43.6%), but turnovers proved to be the difference. The Wolfpack forced 20 Cal turnovers and converted them into 23 points, while the Golden Bears managed just seven points off turnovers.

Junior forward Khamil Pierre led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds, both team highs, while also dishing out four assists. It marked the fourth time this season Pierre has scored 20 or more points.

Junior guard Zoe Brooks continued her strong play, finishing with 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting. She added four rebounds, three assists, and a team-high four steals.

Junior guard Qadence Samuels scored a season-high 13 points, while also grabbing six rebounds and three steals.

Sophomore guard Zam Jones led the team with seven assists and committed zero turnovers. She also chipped in 12 points.

NC State is now tied with Louisville, Virginia, and Duke atop the ACC standings and will hit the road Thursday to face Clemson.