NC State bounced back impressively on Sunday, showcasing a level of execution and shot-making that had been missing in their previous outings. A key factor in their resurgence was Tilda Trygger, who made her presence felt early after a couple of quiet performances.
The game was tightly contested in the opening minutes, but then Syracuse hit a cold spell, allowing NC State to close the first quarter with a commanding 13-0 run. They didn't stop there, scoring the first five points of the second quarter to extend their run to 18-0 and build a 17-point lead. Syracuse spent the rest of the game trying to mount a comeback.
To their credit, the Orange emerged from halftime with renewed energy, trimming NC State’s lead from 17 down to six. However, NC State managed to regain control late in the third quarter.
This period also featured some intriguing officiating decisions that mostly favored NC State. A notable moment occurred when Khamil Pierre and a Syracuse player got tangled up during a rebound, leading to Pierre being assessed a flagrant foul for a shove.
This could have been a turning point for Syracuse, but after a review, the officials also hit the Orange with a technical foul, resulting in offsetting penalties. This gave NC State possession, and Zoe Brooks capitalized with a three-pointer to push the lead back to 10.
Brooks and Pierre were standout performers, exploiting a Syracuse defense that struggled whenever NC State's guards penetrated the paint. There were several instances where Orange defenders seemed to vanish, leaving Brooks wide open near the rim.
Zam Jones was the playmaker, dishing out a game-high eight assists, often setting up Pierre or Trygger for easy baskets inside. Syracuse couldn't resolve their defensive lapses, allowing NC State to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half.
This victory was crucial for NC State in the standings, as it solidified their position for a top-four seed in the ACC tournament. With games against Wake Forest and Pittsburgh remaining, NC State is in the driver’s seat for securing a double-bye. They now hold the head-to-head advantage over both UVA and Syracuse, who are tied with NC State at 11-5.