Hey Wolfpack fans! The NC State ticket office is letting you know that your ticket request for the 2026 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament have been fulfilled! Check your email!
However, this year’s tournament is moving to the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia, which means some changes are coming our way.
For 17 straight years, from 2000 to 2016, The First Horizon Coliseum (formerly Greensboro Coliseum) was our home for the tournament, making Greensboro a true “Tournament Town.” We had some amazing moments there, and it was hard to beat the atmosphere as Wolfpack fans flooded in to support our team. The only year we took a break was in 2017 when it was held in Conway, South Carolina, but then we were back in Greensboro for 2018 through 2025, wrapping up an impressive 25 out of 26 tournaments hosted there.
Now, with the tournament heading to Duluth, we know it’ll be a longer trek for many of us compared to the quick drive to Greensboro. Weāre all going to have to adjust to this new setup, but itās an opportunity for fresh experiences and some new memories!
If you haven’t bought your tickets, you can get them at the Gas South site.
Plus, hereās a little heads-up: we hear that the tournament is set to move again to Charlotte in 2027, so we’ll at least have that to look forward to. While change can be tough, letās keep that Wolfpack pride strong and make the best of our time in Duluth! I will be there, courtside! Can’t wait to see everyone cheering on our team!
As midseason rolls around in NCAA women’s basketball, discussions about players and awards are heating up. This year, ESPN’s Mid-Season All-American picks have gotten people talkingānot just about who made the list but also about who didnāt. One player whoās been left off the radar is Khamil Pierre from NC State. As Wolfpack fans, itās time to shine a light on her outstanding play and call out the biased narrative looming around these picks.
To understand Khamil Pierreās rightful place in the conversation, let’s examine how she stacks up against some of the forwards who made the first team:
Player
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Rebounds Per Game
Joyce Edwards (SC)
20.7
.606
6.3
Madison Booker (TX)
19.2
.518
7.3
Sarah Strong (UConn)
18.4
.600
8.1
Khamil Pierre (NC State)
15.2
.518
11.9
Scoring and Efficiency
Sure, Joyce Edwards is lighting things up with an impressive 20.7 points per game, but letās not overlook Khamil Pierreās contribution who is currently the number 3 rebounder in Div. 1 and the top rebounder in power 4 conferences. Averaging 15.2 points may not seem as flashy, but Khamil has been doing a fantastic job of facilitating plays for her teammates. Plus, her shooting percentage of 51.8% is right there with Madison Booker..
But hereās the catchāESPN seems to focus mainly on high scorers, which might just be why they overlooked Pierre. This narrative can make it seem like if youāre not scoring 20 points a game, youāre not making an impact, which just isnāt the case.
The Rebounding Advantage
Where Khamil really shines is in rebounding. With a jaw-dropping average of 11.9 rebounds per game, sheās absolutely dominating the boards. Just compare that to Edwards (6.3), Booker (7.3), and Strong (8.1)āsheās got them beat by a significant margin! This is crucial for NC State, as grabbing rebounds leads to more possessions and opportunities to score.
But ESPN’s tendency to overlook this aspect is frustrating. Rebounding is a vital part of the game, and just because it doesnāt fill the highlight reels like a flashy 360 layup doesnāt mean it doesn’t matter.
Addressing the Bias
Letās face it. ESPN is in bed with the SEC in all sports: thereās a bias in the ESPN media that often favors the SEC and their star players, especially those from the SEC. A few example from ESPN headlines today: “Gamecocks up to No. 2 in AP women’s poll shuffle” (Why highlight South Carolina? There are 25 teams in the poll). “LSU women’s hoops hands No. 2 Texas first loss” (Texas and LSU are highlighted daily). “Power Rankings: How the SEC is shaping the national title race”. “Women’s Bracketology: First Loss Drops Texas Off The Top Line? Not so Fast”.
They also have UConn articles ready to roll daily: āWho can stop a UConn repeat?ā Itās clear that ESPN prioritizes stories that amplify SEC narratives and write about UConn because they have to. This focus can make it seem like only teams from certain conferences are worthy of attention and acclaim. This partiality can overshadow fantastic players, such as Khamil Pierre, who are quietly racking up impressive stats while their programs donāt have the same media buzz as the SEC giants.
Khamil Pierre has all the tools to be considered among the best, yet her contributions are often lost in the narrative and bias because NC State doesnāt have the same media buzz as some other schools. That’s not just unfair; itās a disservice to the game. ESPN should be ashamed, but really it gets down to it being all about the money.
Looking Ahead
As the rest of the season unfolds, it’s crucial for fans and analysts to bring attention to players like Khamil Pierre who deserve recognition. NC State has a proud history, and Pierre is a significant part of that legacy.
While ESPNās midseason All-American picks highlight plenty of deserving talent, overlooking Pierre reinforces a conversation about fairness and representation in womenās sports. True talent should come first, regardless of school popularity or media hype.
So hereās to Khamil Pierre and the impact she brings to the game. As Wolfpack fans, we know her worth, and itās high time the rest of the basketball world takes notice, too.
According to warrennolan.com, NC State has had the 5th toughest schedule in the country to date. Ranks 2nd in the ACC.
ACC Rank
Team
SOS Rank
Non-Conf SOS
Opp Record
Opp Win %
1
Duke
3
4
189-80
.703
2
NC State
5
12
179-88
.670
3
Florida State
7
32
181-114
.614
4
Louisville
17
36
165-115
.589
5
Miami (FL)
19
65
158-112
.585
6
Stanford
22
87
151-120
.557
7
North Carolina
24
75
148-124
.544
8
Clemson
25
98
145-127
.533
9
California
27
131
140-132
.515
10
Notre Dame
30
44
138-135
.505
11
Georgia Tech
32
91
132-140
.485
12
SMU
63
246
121-155
.438
13
Boston College
75
299
115-168
.406
14
Virginia Tech
84
276
110-175
.386
15
Syracuse
92
178
104-182
.364
16
Pittsburgh
122
307
95-194
.329
17
Virginia
136
168
88-204
.301
18
Wake Forest
210
355
72-225
.242
Summary for 2026
Conference Leadership:Ā DukeĀ andĀ NC StateĀ have navigated the most grueling schedules in the conference and both rank in the top 5 nationally.
Data Source: Opponent records reflect the cumulative win-loss total of all teams played by that specific school as of the latest January 2026 update.
Toughest Non-Conference:Ā DukeĀ maintained a rigorous non-conference slate, ranking 4th in that specific metric, which contributes heavily to their high overall SOS.Ā
Here are the latest women’s college basketball NET rankings for Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) teams, updated as of January 12, 2026, including their quadrant records:
As NC State prepares to travel to Winston-Salem to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons this Thursday, the stakes are high for the Pack. While the Wolfpack currently hold a 12-5 overall record (5-1 ACC), Wake Forest will host the Pack with a respectable 12-6 overall record (2-4 ACC). With the game being in Joel Coliseum, the Pack cannot afford to take the Deacs lightly.
Let’s break down Wake Forest’s statistical leaders and what NC State can expect from the Demon Deacons.
Wake Forest’s Team Snapshot (as of Jan. 11, 2026):
Overall Record:Ā 12-6 (2-4 ACC)
Scoring Offense:Ā 65.4 points per game (Opponents: 56.8 PPG)
Field Goal Percentage:Ā 44.5%
Three-Point Percentage:Ā 30.7%
Rebounding:Ā 37.2 rebounds per game (Opponents: 36.4 RPG)
Assists:Ā 17.6 assists per game
Wake Forest shows a balanced attack, good shooting efficiency, and a team that moves the ball well. Their rebounding margin is positive, suggesting they can hold their own on the glass.
Key Demon Deacons to Watch for NC State:
1. Grace Oliver (#13) – Scoring Threat & Active Defender: Oliver leads the Deacons in scoring with 13.4 points per game and is incredibly efficient, shooting 60.9% from the field. She’s also their leading thief with 24 total steals (1.3 SPG).
NC State’s Challenge:Ā Oliver’s ability to score efficiently and disrupt defensively makes her a dual threat. The Wolfpack will need to limit her touches, especially inside, and protect the ball against her quick hands.
2. Mary Carter (#14) – Perimeter Firepower: Carter is the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 11.5 points per game, and is their most prolific three-point shooter, having made 44 three-pointers this season. She’s also a high-minute player, averaging 32.1 minutes per game.
NC State’s Challenge:Ā NC State’s perimeter defense will be tested. Limiting Carter’s looks from beyond the arc will be paramount to slowing down Wake Forest’s offense.
3. Milan Brown (#00) – Rebounding & Facilitator: Brown is a force on the boards, leading Wake Forest with 6.2 rebounds per game. She’s also a primary playmaker, tied for the team lead with 47 assists (2.6 APG).
NC State’s Challenge:Ā Controlling the paint and limiting second-chance opportunities will require the Wolfpack’s bigs to box out Brown effectively. Disrupting her facilitating will also be key to breaking down Wake Forest’s offensive flow.
4. Raven Preston (#01) – Versatile Contributor: Preston contributes on both ends, averaging 8.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
NC State’s Challenge:Ā She’s a versatile forward who can score and rebound. The Wolfpack will need to be aware of her presence in multiple facets of the game.
5. Aurora SĆørbye (#02) – Efficient Three-Point Shooter: While not taking a high volume of shots, SĆørbye is very efficient from deep, hitting 37.0% of her three-pointers.
NC State’s Challenge:Ā The Wolfpack cannot afford to leave SĆørbye open on the perimeter, as she has proven capable of knocking down crucial shots.
Matchup Considerations for NC State:
Rebounding Battle:Ā Wake Forest is solid on the glass, but NC State boasts a superior team rebounding average (45.9 RPG). Establishing dominance in this area will be crucial for the Wolfpack to limit Wake Forest’s possessions and create their own second-chance points.
Pace of Play:Ā NC State generally plays at a higher tempo, averaging 76.4 points per game compared to Wake Forest’s 65.4. The Wolfpack should look to push the pace, leverage their depth, and transition opportunities to wear down the Deacons.
Three-Point Defense:Ā Wake Forest has multiple players who can hit from outside. NC State’s strong defensive numbers against the three-point shot (opponents shooting .263) will need to be on full display to contest Carter, SĆørbye, and others.
Ball Security:Ā Wake Forest averages 15.5 turnovers per game with a negative turnover margin. The Wolfpack, who average 6.2 steals per game, can capitalize on these opportunities to generate fast-break points.
Thursday’s game against Wake Forest will be another important ACC test for the NC State Wolfpack. By focusing on limiting the impact of Oliver, Carter, and Brown, controlling the boards, and playing their up-tempo brand of basketball, the Pack will be well-positioned to take a valued ACC road win.
Raleigh, NC ā After scoring 9 points on 4-6 shooting in NC State’s decisive 91-54 victory over SMU on January 11, 2026, freshman guard Adelaide Jernigan offered insights into her ongoing adjustment to collegiate basketball, her renowned scoring ability, and her commitment to making an impact on both ends of the floor.
Jernigan, a highly touted recruit with a stellar high school career, has been steadily finding her footing with the Wolfpack. During the SMU post-game interview (2:29:57 mark) with Ernie Myers and Andrew Sanders of the Wolfpack Sports Network, Jernigan shared her thoughts:
When asked about her readiness to contribute, particularly in a game where the team showed such dominance, Jernigan acknowledged the significant leap from high school to the ACC.
āI think it has taken a little bit of time to make the adjustment, I cannot lie, as a freshman, the speed of the game, and learning everything, especially the defensive end, and once I had kind of settle down and gained my confidence, he (Coach Moore) knows I can score, so I just have to go out there and show him and show the team so that he can have that confidence in me.ā
Her high school resume, which includes an astounding 2,528 career points and multiple state championships, certainly speaks to her offensive talent. When prompted about her scoring ability and the transition from being a primary scorer to finding her niche in a deep collegiate roster, Jernigan emphasized the importance of practice and consistency.
āReally, I think its the competence in practice. I have to show him (Moore) that I can go out there and do that, guard the ball, knock down threes. We have been struggling with our 3 point shooting, so I am trying to show him in practice that I am going to show up and be ready and knock down these threes. So like I said, he can have that confidence in me, but it starts with practice.ā
Beyond her scoring potential, Jernigan also highlighted her dedication to the defensive end, recalling a recent challenge from Coach Moore during the team’s game against Clemson (a 65-75 loss on January 8th). This anecdote provides a clear picture of her competitive spirit and willingness to embrace coaching.
āI knew I had to go in there and stop the ball from going to the basket. #14 (Rachael Rose) kept driving to the basket and he said if #14 drives on you, you are coming out. Iām like, I am not letting her score on me. So I took away her left. My job was to go in there and play good defense and not let her score and I thought I did good with that.ā
Adelaide Jernigan’s comments reveal a focused and determined freshman who is not shying away from the challenges of collegiate basketball. Her commitment to improving on both ends of the court, coupled with her natural talent, positions her as a promising prospect for the NC State Wolfpack as she continues to develop and gain confidence within the team’s system. With each practice and every minute on the floor, Jernigan is working to prove her readiness and build the trust necessary to become a significant contributor for the Pack.
Remember when you saw Qadence Samuels at UConn? You might have seen her on the bench a lot, flashing that infectious smile, but not always getting a ton of run. Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and Qadence has officially entered her “new woman, who dis?” era at NC State! She’s gone from a promising talent to a bona fide impact player, and her recent breakout game against SMU was just the icing on the cake.
Let’s take a casual stroll through her journey:
The UConn Chapter: Waiting in the Wings
Back in the 2024-25 season, Qadence was part of a stacked UConn squad that finished an incredible 37-3 winning the National Championship. But being on a powerhouse team often means fighting for minutes, and Qadence found herself deep in a loaded rotation.
She played inĀ 33 games, but every single one was off the bench.
Her average court time was justĀ 5.5 minutes per game.
In that limited run, she managedĀ 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game.
She shot around 32.7% from the field and 24.0% from deep.
She was clearly talented, but with legends like Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd running the show, consistent minutes were a luxury. Qadence was the definition of a player patiently waiting for her opportunity.
The Wolfpack Rebirth: Seizing the Moment!
Now, flip the calendar to the current 2025-26 season, and Qadence Samuels has found a completely new groove at NC State after a portal run to Raleigh! The transfer has clearly paid off, as she’s gone from a bench spark to a key starter and a genuine force.
She’s played in allĀ 17 gamesĀ for the Wolfpack, starting inĀ 13Ā of them ā a massive jump in responsibility!
Her minutes have skyrocketed toĀ 25.3 per game. That’s almost five times the playing time she got at UConn!
Her scoring has risen toĀ 6.4 points per game, and she’s pulling downĀ 4.5 rebounds per game. She’s also dishing out 1.4 assists and getting 0.6 steals.
While her shooting percentages (34.2% FG, 25.8% 3FG) are similar, the sheer volume and impact are miles apart.
Just look at the recent SMU game: Qadence led the Pack with 16 points on incredibly efficient 7-for-10 shooting (70%!), including 2-for-4 from three. She was everywhere, making winning plays and showing exactly why Coach Moore has put so much faith in her. Her +37 plus/minus in that game wasn’t a fluke; it was a testament to how crucial she’s become. She has emerged!
Well, folks, if you missed NC State women’s basketball’s showdown against SMU on Sunday, you missed a total clinic! The Pack absolutely steamrolled the Mustangs 91-54, putting on a show at Reynolds Coliseum that had everything a fan could want. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement about what this team can do when everyone’s firing on all cylinders.
Qadence Samuels: Unleashed and Unstoppable!
Let’s kick things off with Qadence Samuels because, wow, what a game! She wasn’t just good; she was unleashed. Qadence led the Pack with a career-high 16 points on incredibly efficient 7-for-10 shooting. Seriously, every shot looked smooth. But it wasn’t just the points; her insane +37 plus/minus for the game tells you everything. When she was on the floor, the Pack was simply unstoppable. This felt like a true breakout game, showing she’s ready to take her game to the next level.
Zam Jones: Back and Better Than Ever!
And guess who was back in action? Zamareya Jones! After dealing with that ankle injury, there were definitely some questions, but Zam erased all doubts. She dropped 15 points on super-efficient 5-for-8 shooting, hitting all three of her free throws. More importantly, she looked completely fluid, driving to the basket, knocking down shots, and showing absolutely no lingering side effects from that ankle. Her return is a massive boost, and she didn’t miss a beat.
The Twin Towers: Pierre and Trygger Dominate the Paint
When you talk about controlling the paint, you’re talking about State’s “Twin Towers” ā Khamil Pierre and Tilda Trygger. These two are just a nightmare for opponents. Both walked away with double-doubles: Pierre had 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Trygger chipped in 13 points and 10 boards on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting! They just own the glass, finishing inside, and making NC State a real ACC force down low. Good luck trying to get a rebound against those two!
Adelaide Jernigan: Emerging from the Bench
But wait, there’s more! While the starters were shining, the bench continued to show its incredible depth. Freshman Adelaide Jernigan quietly had a fantastic outing, putting up 9 points on an efficient 4-for-6 shooting in just 11 minutes. She looked composed, hit big shots, and seamlessly fit into the flow of the game. Her emergence adds another dynamic scoring threat and shows the future is bright.
Chemistry: The Pack Just Clicks!
Beyond the individual brilliance, what really stood out was the overall team chemistry. You can just feel it with this group. You could see it on the sidelines. Everyone looked happy, playing for each other, making the extra pass, and celebrating each other’s success. Whether it was the starters building an early lead or the bench pouring in 33 points to keep the foot on the gas, this team looked completely cohesive. That kind of camaraderie is infectious and makes them incredibly fun to watch.
This wasn’t just a blowout win; it was a demonstration of NC State’s talent, depth, and undeniable team chemistry. The Pack is humming, and the ACC should take note!
RALEIGH, NC (January 11, 2026) ā The NC State women’s basketball team delivered a resounding performance against SMU on Sunday evening, securing a dominant 91-54 victory at Reynolds Coliseum. From tip-off to the final buzzer, the Wolfpack showcased their depth, efficiency, and relentless defense, improving their season record to 12-5 overall and 5-1 in ACC play.
NC State never trailed in the contest, holding the lead for an astounding 39:33 of game time. Their control was evident early, as they jumped out to a strong start and never looked back, eventually building their largest lead of 44 points.
Offensive Onslaught from All Angles
The Wolfpack’s offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting an impressive 54.5% from the field (36-for-66) for the game. This efficiency translated into points both inside and out, with 42 points coming in the paint and 18 points off fast breaks.
Four Wolfpack players reached double figures, highlighting a well-distributed scoring attack:
Qadence SamuelsĀ led all scorers with a breakout performance of 16 points on a highly efficient 7-for-10 shooting, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Zamareya JonesĀ contributed an efficient 15 points, hitting 5-for-8 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
Khamil PierreĀ recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Tilda TryggerĀ had a perfect shooting night, going 5-for-5 from the field and 2-for-2 from three-point range for 13 points, while also grabbing 10 rebounds for her own double-double.
Unrelenting Control on the Glass
NC State completely dominated the rebounding battle, outrebounding SMU by a significant margin of 51-26. Their relentless effort on the offensive glass resulted in 13 offensive rebounds, which translated into 16 crucial second-chance points, compared to just 2 for SMU.
Stifling Defense Creates Opportunities
The Wolfpack’s defensive intensity stifled SMU throughout the game, holding the Mustangs to a mere 54 points on just 32.3% shooting (20-for-62) from the field. NC State forced 14 turnovers, converting those into 19 points off turnovers. Their defense set the tone early, limiting SMU to just 9 points in the first quarter on 23.5% shooting.
Depth Shines Bright, Bolstered by Key Contributions
Even with their starters performing at a high level, NC State’s formidable depth truly shone, contributing a significant 33 points off the bench. This included a notable performance from Adelaide Jernigan, who provided 9 points on efficient 4-for-6 shooting in just 11 minutes of action.
Next up, the Pack travels Thursday to Winston-Salem to take on the Wake Forest 12-6 (2-4). Tip-off is 6pm.
PackWBB.com 