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Get ready for a New Year’s Day battle as two women’s college basketball powerhouses, the NC State Wolfpack and the Stanford Cardinal, are set to face off in what promises to be an exciting inter-conference showdown.

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Game Preview: NC State Women’s Basketball vs. Stanford

Date: January 1, 2026 Location: Reynolds Coliseum, Raleigh How to Watch: Tune in to [ESPN/ACC Network] for live coverage. Tipoff is at 2:00

Team Overview:

The NC State Wolfpack enter this contest with a strong 9-4 overall record, and an impressive 2-0 start in conference play. The Wolfpack have shown their dominance on the boards, leading the ACC in overall rebounding offense (47.77 RPG) and boasting the top rebounding margin (+15.50) in conference games. Their offense has been particularly potent in ACC play, ranking second in scoring (87.00 PPG) and third in both field goal percentage (.500) and three-point percentage (.386).

The Stanford Cardinal arrive with a stellar 12-2 overall record and a perfect 1-0 start in conference play. Traditionally a defensive juggernaut, Stanford lives up to its reputation, ranking second in the ACC in overall scoring defense (54.71 PPG) and third in opponent field goal percentage (.351). Offensively, they are remarkably efficient from beyond the arc in conference games, leading the ACC with a .571 three-point percentage. They also lead the ACC in free throw percentage in conference play (.923).

Statistical Leaders & Key Players to Watch:

NC State Wolfpack:

• Khamil Pierre (C): A dominant force in the paint, Pierre leads the ACC in overall rebounding (12.69 RPG) and offensive rebounds (4.00 ORPG). She’s also NC State’s leading scorer in conference play, averaging 17.00 PPG, and leads the conference in defensive rebounds in ACC games (9.00 DRBG). Her presence will be crucial on both ends of the floor.
• Zamareya Jones (G): Jones is a dynamic guard known for her scoring and playmaking. She averages 14.38 PPG and 3.92 APG overall. In conference games, she is tied for 10th in scoring (16.50 PPG) and is incredibly efficient from three, shooting .667 in ACC play while averaging 3.00 made threes per game.

Stanford Cardinal:

• Courtney Ogden (F): While only having played one conference game, Ogden made a significant impact, leading the ACC in conference scoring with 25.00 PPG and an incredible .833 field goal percentage. Her efficiency makes her a serious threat.
• Lara Somfai (C): A major presence in the post, Somfai leads the ACC in conference rebounding (13.00 RPG) and defensive rebounds (10.00 DRBG). She also ranks among the top shot-blockers, averaging 3.00 BPG in conference play.
• Nunu Agara (F): Agara is a versatile forward contributing 14.92 PPG and 8.69 RPG overall. Her all-around game and efficiency (.493 FG%) will challenge the Wolfpack defense.

Key Matchups:

1. Battle of the Boards: NC State’s Rebounding Dominance vs. Stanford’s Defensive Glass Cleaners. NC State’s ability to crash the offensive and defensive glass, led by Khamil Pierre, will clash with Stanford’s strong defensive rebounding. Controlling the paint and limiting second-chance opportunities will be vital.
2. NC State’s Conference Offense vs. Stanford’s Elite Overall Defense. The Wolfpack’s high-efficiency offense in ACC play will be tested by Stanford’s stifling overall defense. Can NC State maintain their shooting percentages against a top-tier defensive unit?
3. Perimeter Prowess: Stanford’s Three-Point Efficiency vs. NC State’s Three-Point Defense. Stanford’s outstanding .571 three-point shooting in conference games will go head-to-head with NC State’s overall second-best three-point defense (.260). Limiting Stanford’s open looks from deep will be a key for the Wolfpack.
4. Khamil Pierre (NCSU) vs. Lara Somfai & Courtney Ogden (STAN). This will be a fascinating battle in the post. Pierre’s scoring and rebounding will be directly challenged by Somfai’s defensive presence and rebounding, while Ogden’s offensive burst adds another dimension for Stanford.

Outlook:

This New Year’s Day contest pits NC State’s conference-leading rebounding and strong offensive starts against Stanford’s national-caliber defense and perimeter shooting accuracy. Expect a hard-fought game where defensive adjustments and strong post-play will likely determine the outcome. It’s a clash of styles and strengths that promises to be a thrilling start to the 2026 calendar year for women’s college basketball. Deciding factor could be the Reynold Rowdies. Go Pack!