The Play4Kay game is one of the most treasured traditions at NC State. It’s a time to honor the memory and legacy of former head coach Kay Yow by donning pink shirts, raising money for her foundation, honoring breast cancer survivors and, for Wolfpack fans, hopefully watching an NC State women’s basketball win.
But with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter against Tobacco Road rival UNC-Chapel Hill, the Wolfpack found itself on the wrong end of the scoreboard, facing a 10-point deficit.
However, much like the survivors it honored at halftime, NC State didn’t roll over and surrender; it fought back. The Pack shot out on a 9-1 run to make it a one-score game that brought all of the pink-clad fans at Reynolds Coliseum to a raucous cheer.
“It wouldn’t be the UNC–NC State rivalry without a little bit of excitement at the end,” said UNC guard Lanie Grant. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in a gym that’s gotten that loud. I think my ears actually popped.”
One controversial NC State turnover, two Tar Heel free throws and a Wolfpack layup later, NC State faced a two-point deficit with 12 seconds remaining. All Carolina had to do was inbound the ball and make the free throws, and the game would be out of reach. But somehow, someway, NC State forced a jump ball on the inbound and got an opportunity out of a timeout with 10 seconds remaining.
The Tar Heels had multiple fouls to give, so head coach Wes Moore had to draw up a play that resulted in a quick shot. The ball went to sophomore guard Zam Jones, but her game-winning 3-point attempt bounced off the rim as the Wolfpack (15-7, 8-3 ACC) fell 61-59, giving Carolina (18-5, 7-3 ACC) its first win in Raleigh since the 2018-19 season.
“We’ve lost three or four games like this now, so you second-guess every decision you made,” Moore said. “It’s tough and heartbreaking, feel like you’re letting people down. We’re not used to losing.”
It was a tale of two halves for the Wolfpack. In the first half, it led a calm and concise attack to hold the lead for over 15 minutes. But NC State fell apart after halftime. The red-and-white shot just 3-of-17 in the third quarter, unable to buy a bucket and losing any offensive momentum it had in the first 20 minutes.
“I think that’s just the game of basketball,” said junior forward Khamil Pierre. “Some nights we’re going to make shots. I feel like this team usually does, and tonight we were just off. I think that’s how the game is sometimes.”
The lapse gave the Tar Heels the opportunity they needed, and they capitalized on it. Grant scored 10 of her 18 points in the third quarter, completely flipping the momentum and giving Carolina the lead, something NC State wouldn’t see for the rest of the game.
While the Heels rallied behind Grant, the Pack lacked a go-to scorer. Though Pierre led with 14 points, it came on 7-of-19 shooting as Carolina swarmed her in the paint. The backcourt didn’t play up to its standard either, as Jones and junior guard Zoe Brooks shot a combined 6-of-22 from the field — including the game-winning miss — an uncharacteristic night for one of the ACC’s top duos.
“[Jones] didn’t have a great shooting night, but neither did I,” Pierre said. “She shoots great on any given night, and it’s just one shot. There were so many other pieces that came into play for us to lose the game.”
But the Play4Kay game is more than just basketball; it’s an opportunity to raise money for breast cancer research and treatment. Wolfpack Nation showed up and raised over $500,000 for the Kay Yow Foundation while celebrating survivors from across the state.
“It’s a great cause,” Moore said. “I was with Coach Yow and saw her fight for 20 years through it. It’s an important night for all of us at NC State.”
NC State looks to bounce back on Thursday, Feb. 5, as it hosts Florida State. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. and will be streamed on ACC Network.
