Sports

NC State WBB Takes Down UNC In Intense Battle

Kamryn Adams @Kammrynnk @SpecMagSports

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina State Wolfpack women’s basketball team (19-2)  extended its home winning streak to 13 games with a 63-59 win over the University of North Carolina Tar Heels (15-7) on Thursday in Reynolds Coliseum. 

The crowd was riled up after the Pack won the tipoff. River Baldwin stepped up with the rebounds on both sides of the ball in the first quarter to get the advantage. 

The game started fast and physical as UNC took the lead, but NC State was not too far behind. 

The Pack forced multiple fouls and a three-minute scoring drought on the Tar Heels while going on a 7-0 run heading into the second quarter.  

NC State started to gain control of the game with its physicality and fast motion in the second quarter, despite a couple of fouls.  

Mimi Collins closed out the half with a three-pointer at the buzzer for NC State. 

The Pack came out playing well on both sides to begin the second half. The score remained close throughout the third quarter while the teams battled and took turns going back and forth to the basket.  

UNC took the lead to begin the fourth quarter, followed by a foul on River Baldwin.  

As the clock wound down, the game got intense, and the score remained close. Saniya Rivers got a steal to give NC State the ball back with 25 seconds remaining to seal the 63-59 victory. 

NC State struggled in the post and allowed UNC to thrive in the paint. As the game continued, The Pack began to struggle withmaking shots, allowing UNC to bounce back. 

The Pack recorded 38 rebounds, 29 being defensive, led by Saniya Rivers.  

NC State was more successful when forcing UNC to shoot outside the paint. 

Moving forward, NC State must keep up its fast-paced rhythm. However, they need to play better coverage in the post. UNC scored 26 points in the paint. 

” A gutsy effort. Wasn’t pretty. We didn’t shoot the ball well. I feel like I didn’t help them enough offensively out there, but they found a way to get it done,” said head coach Wes Moore in his opening statement.

Up next, NC State will host the Louisville Cardinals on Monday, Feb 5, at 7 P.M.