In a pivotal showdown at Reynolds Coliseum, the NC State women's basketball team showcased their resilience with a crucial 65-56 victory over Wake Forest. This win, marking their 12th in the conference, nudges the Wolfpack closer to a coveted Quarterfinal Friday spot in the ACC Tournament. With the team in a tight race for fourth place in the ACC, every game counts.
The Wolfpack set the tone early with their aggressive play on the offensive glass. Six of their first 12 points came from second-chance opportunities, thanks to the dynamic duo of Trygger and Pierre, who combined for an impressive 22 rebounds out of the team’s 39.
After a modest 16-point first quarter, NC State's offense found a spark in the second. Sophomore Devyn Quigley came off the bench to ignite the team, dropping eight points and sinking two crucial three-pointers, helping the Pack to a 21-point quarter.
Despite this offensive burst, Wake Forest remained in the hunt, trailing by only five at halftime. The third quarter saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm, but Zoe Brooks stepped up for NC State, adding nine points during this critical period. The Wolfpack's defense tightened, holding Wake Forest to single digits and stretching their lead to 10 as they headed into the final quarter.
In the fourth, Quigley continued her hot streak, hitting two early three-pointers that extended NC State's lead to a comfortable double-digit margin. This cushion allowed the Pack to manage the game effectively down the stretch.
Balanced scoring was key for the Wolfpack, with four players hitting double figures. Brooks led with 17 points, closely followed by Trygger with 16, and Quigley, who notched a season-high 14 points. The team shot 42 percent from the field and 30 percent from beyond the arc, sealing the nine-point win.
Looking ahead, NC State will wrap up their regular season on the road against Pittsburgh. This game is crucial, as the Wolfpack aim to secure a top-four seed in the ACC Tournament and a double-bye in Atlanta, with Syracuse and Virginia close behind in the standings.