Another top-five ACC matchup, another blown lead, another overtime thriller. This time, NC State women’s basketball came out on top against Virginia, 78-76.
Junior guard Zoe Brooks delivered the Wolfpack (14-6, 7-2 ACC) to the finish ahead of the Cavaliers (14-6, 6-3 ACC) with a career-high 37 points. Every one of them was needed, and Brooks delivered clutch free throw after clutch free throw, shooting 19-for-20 from the line. NC State outrebounded Virginia 46-45, narrowly handling a test from another one of the nation’s top rebounding teams.
It was a strong start on the road for head coach Wes Moore’s side. The Wolfpack kept the Cavaliers away from quality looks around the rim, and the home team found a lid on the basket, making just eight first-half shots and scoring 18 points — its lowest output of the season.
NC State fared better with 12 baskets for 34 points in the first half. Its dual-guard threat — Brooks and sophomore guard Zam Jones — had no trouble getting through Virginia’s defense and to the basket, free-throw line or both.
Cracks started to show in the third quarter, but whenever the Cavaliers put together some offense, the Wolfpack hit right back. It looked like the road team would put together a 40-minute performance and walk out with an easy win. But Virginia wouldn’t make it so easy.
NC State allowed 29 points in the fourth quarter, letting a comfortable lead turn into an overtime challenge. Up eight with two minutes left, a pair of threes from the Cavaliers’ Kymora Johnson helped even the score for the home team.
Brooks had the ball and ten seconds to work with to respond with a game-winner. She ran down the court and into the paint like she had done all game, but her jump shot bounced off the rim.
In the extra frame, Brooks made four free throws to take the lead and another two to ice the game. The Cavaliers’ winded defense couldn’t keep up with the nifty veteran.
The game was originally scheduled for Sunday, but was moved due to the winter storm expected to impact the region on that day. That meant Virginia played the game less than 48 hours after whalloping Pittsburgh by 38 at home.
After taking care of business, blowing an 18-point lead or not, the Wolfpack earns a little separation in the ACC standings, where it sits third.
Next up, the Wolfpack heads north on a road trip to the Boston College Eagles, who are winless in conference at 0-9. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29th.
