It’s been a rough week for NC State women’s basketball. Coming off a three-game road trip, it came home just in time for final exams. And as if that wasn’t enough, a stomach bug spread through the team, keeping multiple players and coaches out of practice throughout the week.
Notably, the sickness kept junior forward Khamil Pierre — the nation’s leader in rebounds per game — and junior guard Qadence Samuels from starting against Seton Hall, forcing sophomore guard Devyn Quigley and junior forward Maddie Cox to start in their place.
The odds were stacked against the Pack (6-4), and yet it still managed to emerge with a 61-53 win over the Pirates (5-2).
Making the most of her starting opportunity, Cox dominated the glass in the first half with 10 rebounds, picking up the slack left by Pierre.
“Khamil’s the best rebounder in the country,” Cox said. “Having her out in limited minutes, I just really had to step up and take on that rebounding role for her.”
But she didn’t just impact the rebounding; she recorded a steal and two blocks, becoming a dominant presence in the post to slow down the Pirates. Whether it was drawing a charge or diving for a loose ball, Cox led by example and stepped up when her team needed it most.
“She came in this year with a lot more confidence, a little bit more toughness,” said head coach Wes Moore. “She is one that knows what’s going on and is like a coach on the floor.”
After being withheld for the entire first half, Pierre played 15 minutes in the second half, recording 11 points on 5-for-10 from the field with eight rebounds. Over the last few games, Pierre seems to have settled into her role on the team as the top rebounder and a strong post scorer.
“It’s almost like being a freshman again, you’re the new kid,” Moore said. “She’s progressed well. She was sick all week and took an IV this morning. I appreciate her being willing to do that and try to help the team in whatever way she could.”
With such a young, leaderless team, sophomore guard Zamareya Jones stepped up to try and guide the team in the right direction, marking a team-high 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. With no seniors on the team and only a few returning players, someone needs to step up as a leader, and Jones has trended in that direction.
“I’m getting into a role of it, but I’m still young,” Jones said. “I got Maddie and Zoe [Brooks] to show me how to be a leader, so I’m following their footsteps.”
The Wolfpack took four losses in its gauntlet of a non-conference schedule, but can’t afford another slip-up with its ACC schedule now here. Even one odd loss in one of the most competitive conferences in women’s basketball can have huge effects come March.
NC State opens conference play on Sunday, Dec.14, hosting Miami. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. and will be streamed on ACC Extra.
