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NC State Seeks Redemption in Sunday Showdown Against California

Raleigh, NC – January 4, 2026 – The NC State Women’s Basketball team (10-4 overall, 3-0 ACC) is primed to continue its dominant conference start this Sunday as they host a struggling California squad (9-6 overall, 0-2 ACC). This matchup, set for January 4, 2026, carries an extra layer of motivation for the Wolfpack, as they look for revenge against a California team that defeated them last season on their home court.

NC State enters this game on a high note, riding a five-game winning streak and boasting an unblemished record in ACC play. Their performance in conference games has been nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating strength on both ends of the court.

NC State: A Force in Conference Play

• Overall Record: 10-4
• Conference Record: 3-0 (Undefeated)
• Scoring Offense: 82.67 points per game (2nd in ACC)
• Scoring Defense: Allowing just 55.00 points per game (2nd in ACC)
• Scoring Margin: An impressive +27.67 (2nd in ACC)
• Field Goal Percentage: Shooting 49.0% from the field (3rd in ACC)
• 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Connecting on 39.6% of their attempts from beyond the arc (2nd in ACC)
• Rebounding Prowess: Dominant on the glass with 45.00 offensive rebounds per game (2nd in ACC) and a +12.67 rebounding margin (2nd in ACC)

California: Searching for a Conference Breakthrough

In stark contrast, Cal has faced a tough start to conference play, still seeking its first ACC victory. Their statistics reflect the challenges they’ve encountered against league opponents.

• Overall Record: 9-6
• Conference Record: 0-2
• Scoring Offense: 62.00 points per game (13th in ACC)
• Scoring Defense: Allowing 74.50 points per game (13th in ACC)
• Scoring Margin: A challenging -12.50 (14th in ACC)
• Field Goal Percentage: Shooting 39.2% from the field (12th in ACC)
• 3-Point Defense: Opponents are shooting 39.3% from three-point range against them (17th in ACC)

Key Players to Watch

For NC State:

• Khamil Pierre (Junior Forward): The recently announced Wade Watch candidate is a dominant force. In ACC play, she’s averaging 14.67 points and 9.67 rebounds per game, shooting an incredibly efficient 59.4% from the field. Her relentless effort on the offensive glass (3.79 offensive rebounds per game overall) and consistent scoring will be crucial. Pierre has already recorded one double-double in conference action.
• Zoe Brooks & Zamareya Jones (Dawgs): These two are key to NC State’s fluid offense. Brooks boasts a 1.91 assist/turnover ratio, while Jones holds a 2.26 assist/turnover ratio (overall stats). You can bet that the Dawgs will come to play.

For California:

• Sakima Walker (Center): Cal’s offensive leader, Walker is averaging 16.00 points per game in conference play and shooting an impressive 62.5% from the field. Her battle in the paint against Pierre will be a pivotal matchup.
• Lulu Twidale (Guard): Twidale averages 13.29 points per game overall and shoots 34.7% from three-point range in conference games. She’ll need to ignite Cal’s perimeter offense to challenge NC State’s defense.

Game Outlook and Score Prediction

This game presents a clear opportunity for NC State to assert its dominance and put last season’s loss behind them. The Wolfpack’s superior team statistics across almost every offensive and defensive category in conference play, combined with their strong motivation, position them as heavy favorites. NC State’s stifling defense is likely to contain Cal’s struggling offense, while their own high-powered attack should find ample opportunities to score against Cal’s defensive vulnerabilities.

PackWBB.com Prediction:

• NC State: 83
• California: 55

This predicted score reflects NC State performing close to its offensive average and California struggling significantly against the Wolfpack’s top-tier defense, underscoring NC State’s impressive +27.67 scoring margin.

How to Watch

Pack fans can catch the action live on Sunday on the CW. Please check your local listings for broadcast information.

For best results, turn the CW volume down, then sync, and listen to Ernie and Andrew!