WINSTON-SALEM — The women’s basketball team is now riding a three-game wining streak, thanks to a 56-36 win against Wake Forest on Sunday. N.C. State’s defense once again was a major factor in the win. State forced 17 turnovers by the Demon Deacons and scored 18 points off those turnovers, compared to Wake’s five points off turnovers. The Pack would eventually put the game away with a 25-9 run in the second half.
Coach Kay Yow was once again impressed with the team’s defensive performance.
“As the game goes on, they get better and better at it,” Yow said. “They get in the groove, and they just continue to work at it. We had a run in the second half, about around the 15-minute mark, when we went on about a 25-9 run. And a lot of that was due to our defense.”
Junior guard Shayla Fields had another 40-minute game, with 13 points and five rebounds. Senior forward Khadijah Whittington had a double-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds and three steals.
According to Fields, State wasn’t scoring like it needed to in the first half, before it outscored Wake 29-14 after halftime.
“We came out with a lot of intensity and energy, but I don’t think that we were knocking down as many shots as we wanted to,” Fields said. “Our defense was pretty good, but it wasn’t the best that we could have done. I think that we made that adjustment in the second half: playing better defense and making better shots.”
Sophomore guard Sharnise Beal, who came back after being out with a right shin injury, played for 10 minutes and scored six points.
Beal said she should be good to go for the rest of the regular season.
“I’m feeling better,” Beal said. “It’s good to be back.” Yow said she was happy to have Beal back and noted that she was one of the best scorers on the team and plays bigger than her size.
“She did a lot of good things in [those] 10 minutes,” Yow said. “I don’t know how she is going to be now, eight days before we play again. So knowing that, I know that she can get some minutes because no matter what happens, we have time for her to rest and heal a lot more. I’m glad that Shar was willing and wanting to come out and give us a few minutes in this game.”
State once again wore its pink jerseys. It was Wake Forest “Think Pink” day. Many fans in attendance and the Wake basketball team work pink T-shirts. State will return to its regular red and white jerseys for its next game at North Carolina on Feb. 25.
The game, which is a week from tonight, gives the time to prepare for the No. 3 team in the country.
Whittington said the team will be working hard as it prepares to play against the Tar Heels.
“We have to prepare for them this week and get ready for them,” Whittington said. “We’re going to their house, and we have to be focused.”
Fields also echoed Whittington’s words.
“It’s a tough place to play, but I think we’re ready,” Fields said.
By the numbers5-6 State’s conference record20 State’s largest lead Sunday22.2 3-point percentage in game for State27.3 percent shooting by Wake Forest at the free throw line39 Total rebounds in the game for State3,782 in attendance at Sunday’s game Source: N.C. State Athletics
