Hopes were high for NC State women’s basketball in its home conference opener against Georgia Tech at Reynolds Coliseum.
Winning four of its last five games, NC State had all the momentum heading into the matchup, but by the end of the first quarter, it looked like it would be a shootout. NC State led 26-20 as both teams laced shots from all around the court, and was on pace to allow 80 points for just the second time this season.
But instead of allowing the Yellow Jackets to continue their hot shooting stretch, the Wolfpack put the clamps on, outscoring Georgia Tech 51-14 in the second and third quarters — allowing just three points in the third — en route to an 87-58 statement of a win.
“After the first quarter, Coach talked about how we were on track to give up a lot of points,” said junior forward Khamil Pierre. “That’s not what we’re here to do. He talked about making sure we knew our scout, being where we’re supposed to be on the court and we just shut them down after that.”
The scoring was evenly distributed amongst the team as six players finished in double figures, but sophomore guard Zamareya Jones stood out amongst the rest. Jones finished with 17 points, seven assists and just one turnover, sparking the Wolfpack offense time and time again.
“[Jones] is not only a hard worker, but always an energy kid,” Pierre said. “She makes shots like that every day at practice and brings the energy every day. That’s what was expected.”
On a young team that’s lacked leadership through the first third of the season, Jones has emerged as a leader both on the court and in the locker room. The sophomore called plays, found open teammates and knocked down contested 3-pointers as if she were an experienced veteran.
“No doubt, she’s a fierce competitor,” said head coach Wes Moore. “Sometimes we butt heads, but I think we both want the same thing at the end of the day, and that’s to see NC State win. She’s playing really well right now.”
Contending with Jones was Georgia Tech’s Talayah Walker, who finished the first half with 18 points on 100% shooting from the field, but Moore adjusted by moving junior guard Qadence Samuels onto the sharpshooter. In the second half, Walker missed all six of her shots and recorded just two points, coming from free throws.
Samuels also provided an offensive edge to the Pack by recording 10 points with two 3-pointers, further stretching the Georgia Tech defense and forcing it to respect her as a threat from beyond the arc.
“Tonight was a good start,” Moore said. “I thought she did a great job defensively. Walker was killing us, and so I thought Qadence did a really good job going in there after that. You do want the [3-pointers] to get the flow of the game.”
Since NC State’s shocking home upset loss to Rhode Island, it’s dropped just one game — a road loss to then-No. 9 Oklahoma, a difficult matchup for any team. The Pack is picking up momentum at the perfect time, right as it dives into its ACC schedule.
“I think playing well is contagious,” Moore said. “Everybody gets their confidence.”
Before it can truly embrace its ACC schedule, NC State has one more non-conference game, traveling to Davidson on Sunday, Dec. 21. Tipoff is set for noon and will be streamed on CBS Sports Network.
