PackWBB.com

Overall Game Summary: NC State delivered a knockout blow to Stanford in the second half, defeating Stanford 74-46. This victory improves NC State’s record to 11-4 overall and 3-0 in conference play, while Stanford falls to 12-4 overall and 1-1 in conference. The game, played in front of a sold-out Reynolds, saw NC State took control the game from with about 3 minutes left in the second quarter and really never looked back as the blow-out emerged.

NC State’s Decisive Victory:

• Offensive Efficiency: NC State showcased impressive shooting percentages, hitting 46.7% from the field (28/60), a remarkable 44.4% from beyond the arc (4/9), and 82.4% from the free-throw line (14/17). This efficiency was a stark contrast to Stanford’s struggles.
• Dominant Inside Play: NC State outscored Stanford significantly in the paint (34-24) and capitalized on second-chance opportunities (12-9), showing their aggressive play and superior rebounding (42 total rebounds vs. Stanford’s 35).
• Balanced Scoring & Bench Contribution: While NC State had several standout individual performances, their bench also contributed a strong 19 points, demonstrating depth that Stanford lacked (7 bench points).
• Strong Defensive Effort: NC State’s defense forced 21 turnovers from Stanford while committing only 16 themselves. They also recorded 9 steals and 8 blocks, disrupting Stanford’s offensive rhythm.
• Consistent Performance: NC State maintained their scoring presence throughout the game, with quarter scores of 18, 14, 19, and 23 points, never dipping below 14 in any period. They held the lead for 32:25 of the game, highlighting their control.

Stanford’s Struggles:

• Shooting Woes: Stanford struggled significantly with their shooting, connecting on only 30.0% from the field (18/60) and a dismal 17.4% from three-point range (4/23). These low percentages severely hampered their ability to keep pace. Give NC State all the credit here.
• Turnover Prone: Committing 21 turnovers gave NC State numerous opportunities, contributing to their fast break points (11-7 in NC State’s favor).
• Lack of Offensive Flow: With only 5 assists on 18 made field goals, Stanford’s offense appeared stagnant and individual-reliant. The Pack took away their inside game which disrupted the their flow.
• Quarterly Declines: Stanford’s scoring decreased in each subsequent quarter (11, 15, 11, 9), indicating an inability to adjust or sustain offensive pressure as the game progressed. Their biggest lead was only 4 points early in the first quarter, after which NC State took control.

Individual Standouts:

• NC State:
  • Zoe Brooks (#35) was exceptional, leading all scorers with 18 points on highly efficient 6/13 shooting, including a perfect 1/1 from three and 5/5 from the free-throw line. She also contributed 6 assists, 3 steals, and had an outstanding +/- rating of +33.
  • Tilda Trygger (#18) added 12 points and 8 rebounds, providing a strong presence inside.
  • Khamil Pierre (#12) and Zamareya Jones (#3) also reached double figures with 10 points each.
  • Maddie Cox (#11) was incredibly efficient, scoring 7 points on a perfect 3/3 from the field (1/1 3PT).
• Stanford:
  • Nunu Agara (#3) was Stanford’s leading scorer with 16 points and added 8 rebounds, but her shooting was 6/15, and her +/- was -27.
  • Courtney Ogden (#40) chipped in 12 points and 5 assists.
  • Lara Somfai (#12) grabbed an impressive 16 rebounds but struggled immensely with her shooting, going 2/13 from the field.

Key Takeaways: NC State left no doubt on who was the best team to start the new year. They executed. They were efficient, and the bench kept the pressure on while the starters rested. Their balanced scoring, effective inside play, and disruptive defense allowed them to control the game after Maddie Cox came in and sparked the team, leading by as many as 31 points. Stanford, on the other hand, struggled significantly with shooting efficiency and ball control, which ultimately led to their defeat. This game positioned NC State’s to make a strong January run in the conference.