Brown-Turner Leads NC State Over UNC

RALEIGH, NC – Behind a career-high from Jakia Brown-Turner, the NC State Wolfpack took the second matchup with the North Carolina this season 82-63.

The Wolfpack have been outstanding this season in the ACC, as they lead the conference in defensive rebounds per game (32.2), rebound margin (+8.7), and field-goal percentage defense. (35.5%) They have four players averaging ten points or more and their top seven scorers all shoot 40% or better.

After the score was even at 8 five minutes in, the Wolfpack outscored North Carolina 11-0 over the final five minutes of the quarter to take a 19-8 lead at the end of the quarter. Carolina missed 10 of their last 11 shots to close the quarter. Jakia Brown-Turner had eight points and three rebounds through the first ten minutes.

After a seven minute scoring drought, North Carolina was able to get a few free-throws before NC State responded and extended the lead to 16. The Tar Heels responded with a 7-0 run to cut the deficit down to nine with 4:55 to play in the first half.

After the Wolfpack extended the lead out to 14, North Carolina closed the half strong to cut the Pack lead down to ten at the half. NC State did not score over the final three minutes of the half. Brown-Tunrer led the Pack with 12 points and Elissa Cunane nearly had a double-double in the first half with ten points and nine rebounds. Alyssa Ustby led UNC early on with six points.

NC State held the Heels to just 24% shooting from the field and no three-pointers in the first half. The Wolfpack outscored North Carolina 16-12 in points in the paint.

North Carolina came out strong to start the second half, but every time they tried to cut the deficit down, NC State responded and extended the lead out to 13 with four minutes to play in the third quarter. North Carolina connected on their first three-pointer of the game with a minute and a half remaining in the third, after missing their first 16 attempts.

The Wolfpack held a 60-44 lead at the end of the third quarter. Brown-Turner led the way with 15 points for the Pack and Elissa Cunane contributed with a double-double with 14 points and ten rebounds. After only scoring two points in the first half, Kayla Jones scored 11 points to lead the Pack in the quarter. Deja Kelley scored nine points for the Tar Heels in the third quarter.

The Pack extended the lead to 18 before the Tar Heels went on a 7-0 run to cut the lead back down to 11 with 4:28 to play. The Tar Heels tried to cut back into the lead but the Wolfpack wanted that revenge victory.

Jakia Brown-Turner led the Pack with a carrer-high 25 points. Kayla Jones also had a great game, scoring 18 of her 20 points in the second half and grabbing eight rebounds, and Elissa Cunane contributed another double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. The Tar Heels were led by Deja Kelly with 14 points and Petra Holešínská, with 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Wolfpack dominated the paint, as they outscored North Carolina 44-30 in the paint. The Pack was also able to force 11 Tar Heel turnovers.

“I knew I needed to be agressive, play ball and have fun today,” Kayla Jones said following the game.

“I like the way we’re playing as a team right now,” NC State coach Wes Moore said following the win.

The Wolfpack dominated the paint, as they outscored North Carolina 44-30 in the paint. The Pack was also able to force 11 Tar Heel turnovers. The Pack also had 35 defensive rebounds in the game.

Up next for the Wolfpack (15-2, 10-2 ACC), will be a matchup with the Pittsburgh Panthers Thursday February 25^that 4 PM. The game will be senior day for the NC State Wolfpack.