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December 8, 2024
Final: NC State 86 Ole Miss 55
Raleigh, NC-Sunday afternoon the NC State Wolfpack (6-3. 0-0), fresh off their first ranked win of the season Thursday night against #18 Ole Miss, played host to the visiting Old Dominion Monarchs (6-3, 0-0) who were picked to finish 3rd in the SunBelt conference standings. The Monarchs came in carrying a 5-game losing streak to the Wolfpack including an 87-50 road win last season. NC State is in the middle of a 3-game homestand and were looking to get things in premier playing fashion before the start of conference play.
1ST QUARTER Old Dominion 19 NC State 17
Old Dominion took an early 9-2 lead with some hot shooting and some ill-advised turnovers from the Wolfpack as they were able to take advantage on their second-chance opportunities. The lead would be 13-8 at the first media timeout with the Monarchs paced by the 7 early points from Simaru Fields. The Monarch defense was stingy early forcing 4 turnovers and getting 7 points off the miscues. The Monarchs used 4 offensive rebounds as well to gain the advantage with 6 second-chance points in the quarter.
NC State would be led by Saniya Rivers who had 4 points in the quarter. Zoe Brooks, Lorena Awou, and Devin Quigley combined for 9 points as each of them netted 3 points a piece. The Wolfpack held the edge on the glass as well holding an early 12-10 advantage. Monarchs were led in the quarter by Simaru Fields and En’Dya Buford . They combined for 13 of the 19 points for Old Dominion.
The Wolfpack would finish the quarter shooting 38.5% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc.
2nd QUARTER NC State 38 Ole Miss 27
NC State came out in the second quarter with a flurry of points as they began the quarter on a quick 7-0 run to push the Pack ahead 24-19. Saniya Rivers and Lorena Awou were responsible for the run combining for all 7 points. The Monarchs would respond quickly with 5 of the next 7 points to cut the lead to 26-24 at the media timeout at 4:49. After the timeout, the Wolfpack would use an 11-0 run to take a 37-24. Madison Hayes would have 6 of the 11 to lead the Wolfpack as NC State would take a 38-27 lead into the half.
The Wolfpack finished the half shooting 36.4% from the field and 20% from 3. Saniya Rivers led the way for the Pack with 8 points.3 other Wolfpack players tallied 6 points each. Lorena Awou, Madison Hayes, and Zamareya Jones helped the Pack on their way to strong performances in the quarter. Awou also finished the quarter with 5 rebounds to add to the Wolfpack’s rebound total of 28 for the half.
3rd Quarter NC State 66 Old Dominion 37
The Wolfpack came out of the locker room hot as they scored 16 of the first 18 in the quarter including a 12-0 run to take a commanding 54-29 lead at the under 5 timeout. Aziah James’ red hot shooting helped fuel the run as she hit back-to-back 3-point baskets. James had 8 early points in the quarter on 3-4 shooting from the floor. She would finish the quarter with 12 points to lead the Wolfpack. Lorena Awou also established her presence in the paint as she tallied another 4 points to give her double figures for the game with 10 points.
The Wolfpack shot 61.1% for the quarter from the field while holding the Monarchs to just 21.1%. NC State also shot 40% from 3 to aid in extending their lead to 29.
4th Quarter NC State 86 Old Dominion 65
The Wolfpack started fast again in the 4th quarter to push the lead to 30 at the media timeout with 5:56 remaining in the game. The young core of Lorena Awou, Zamareya Jones, and Devan Quigley were on full display in the final period as they displayed all of their skillsets in helping the Wolfpack cross the finish line. Jones started with a quick 5 points and a nifty assist to her sophomore teammate Laci Steele for a beautiful 3-point shot.
NC State would finish the game with 4 players in double figures including Jones, James, Rivers and Awou. The Wolfpack used a balance scoring attack throughout the game to continue to build on their lead. NC State will finish up their homestand Wednesday night against Davidson before beginning ACC play next weekend.
Next up for the Wolfpack is a Wednesday game with Davidson at .
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