The NC State women’s basketball team never trailed on its way to a 63-49 victory over Georgetown Sunday afternoon in Reynolds Coliseum.
The Wolfpack (8-2) was led by its backcourt thanks to sophomore Aislinn Konig and redshirt junior Kiara Leslie as they both scored 16 points. Following a strong opening quarter, the Pack was in control for the rest of the ball game.
“We came out into the game fast paced,” Konig said. “We started following our shots a little better and I think overall we finished well, and it was a good learning experience to not let momentum take you out of the game.”
After shooting 66.7 percent from the field goal in the first period, the Hoyas (4-5) were able to narrow an NC State 20-point lead to only a 5-point advantage as turnovers continued to damper offensive play.
“[Head coach Wes Moore] told us to value the ball,” Konig said. “We needed to start playing the way our shots were reflecting and not trying to force too many things. We got a little out of control, but then I think we figured it out and we came back and stopped turning the ball over as much.”
Being a top-10 team nationally in rebounding, State was able to regain control thanks to out rebounding Georgetown 50-30 on the game.
“In practice [rebounding] is what coach is big on,” sophomore forward Erika Cassell said, who had a team-high 11 rebounds. “He always wants us to go to the boards especially offensive boards. When a shot goes up, I go to the boards. I don’t know where the ball is coming from but if it comes to my side I’m going to go get it. If not, try to get it the next time.”
In her third game as a starter for the Wolfpack, Leslie was able to hit shots from all over the court and recorded seven rebounds to gain the respect of her coach and teammates as a starter.
“[Leslie is] a strong guard that can also go down low and produce,” Cassell said. “She can go to the boards hard; she’s a great rebounder, she can attack off the dribble and she also has a nice shot. She’s just a versatile player and can do great things in many ways.”
The Pack made plays on offense with five players scoring in double-digits. Defensively, NC State also had five players that recorded at least seven rebounds.
The team will be back in action on Thursday as the Wolfpack takes on East Tennessee State in Reynolds Coliseum.
