Zoe Brooks put on a show in Charlottesville, dropping a career-high 37 points to lift NC State to a gritty 78-76 overtime win over Virginia. It wasn’t always pretty - in fact, it was anything but - but Brooks’ poise and production at the line helped the Wolfpack escape with a crucial ACC road victory, moving to 14-6 overall and 7-2 in conference play.
Let’s be clear: this was a game that tested NC State in every possible way. The Wolfpack shot under 36 percent from the field, struggled to find rhythm offensively, and saw a commanding 18-point lead evaporate in the second half. But when the moment called for someone to take over, Brooks answered - and then some.
She finished 8-of-14 from the field and a near-perfect 11-of-12 from the free-throw line, including a clutch 6-for-6 effort in overtime. Her scoring wasn’t just timely - it was essential. Without Brooks, this one doesn’t go to overtime, let alone end in a win.
Fast Start, Defensive Dominance
NC State came out swinging, building an early cushion behind strong defensive pressure and Brooks’ hot hand. The Pack led by 16 at the break, holding Virginia to a frigid 23.5 percent shooting clip in the first half. Brooks scored 14 of the team’s 34 points before halftime, and while the offense wasn’t clicking across the board - just 12-of-34 from the field and 3-of-8 from deep - the defense more than made up for it.
Sam Jones chipped in with a pair of threes, and the Wolfpack looked fully in control heading into the locker room.
Second-Half Shift
But basketball is a game of runs, and Virginia had one ready.
The Cavaliers came out of halftime with a renewed energy and started hitting shots from all over the floor. They shot 54.5 percent in the second half and caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down nine of their 16 three-point attempts. That perimeter barrage flipped the momentum fast.
Meanwhile, NC State’s offense stalled. The Pack managed just one three-pointer on five second-half attempts and leaned heavily on Brooks, who kept them afloat with another 8-of-9 showing at the line. Still, a rare miss from her late in regulation opened the door for Virginia to tie it up, and with neither team able to convert in the final seconds, we were headed to overtime knotted at 66.
Surviving the Extra Session
Overtime was a grind. NC State made just two field goals in the extra period, but once again, it was Brooks who made the difference.
She drew contact, got to the line, and calmly knocked down all six of her free-throw attempts. That composure under pressure was the difference between a win and a long, frustrating trip back to Raleigh.
Even with a few missed chances - including a pair of key free throws from Saniya Pierre - the Wolfpack held on. Virginia had one last heave at the buzzer, but it didn’t fall, sealing the win for NC State.
What It Means
This wasn’t the cleanest win, but it was a big one. Virginia came in ranked No. 38 in the NET, and snagging a road win in conference play - especially in overtime - carries weight in the standings and in the eyes of the selection committee come March. With this win, NC State leapfrogs Virginia for fourth place in the ACC and keeps itself firmly in the hunt near the top of the league.
Now sitting at 14-6 and 7-2 in the ACC, the Pack is in position to make a real push heading into the back half of the season. The schedule doesn’t get any easier - matchups with UNC, Notre Dame, and Duke loom in February - but this team just proved it can win a tough one on the road when things aren’t going their way.
Next up: a Thursday night trip to Boston College. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
ET at Conte Forum. Another road win would give the Pack its eighth in league play - and even more momentum heading into the gauntlet of February.