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Wolfpack Rolls Past Golden Bears, Maintains Impressive Start to Season

RALEIGH, NC (January 4, 2026) – The NC State women’s basketball team delivered survival mode performance today, securing a decisive 71-60 victory over the California Golden Bears at a hopping sold-out Reynolds Coliseum. The win pushes the Wolfpack’s stellar record to 11-4 overall and keeps them undefeated in conference play at 4-0.

From the opening tip, which did not include Tilda Trigger who was out due to sickness, the Wolfpack showcased their tenacity, establishing control and holding the lead for an impressive 31:10 of the contest. Their aggressive defense proved to be a significant factor, as NC State repeatedly turned Cal’s miscues into points, racking up 23 points off turnovers compared to Cal’s mere 7. This heads-up play fueled a potent transition game, with the Pack outscoring the Golden Bears 18-8 on fast break opportunities, consistently keeping Cal on their heels.

NC State’s offensive firepower was on full display, featuring a beautifully balanced attack that saw four players reach double figures. Junior forward Khamil Pierre was a dominant force inside and out, leading all scorers with a season-high 21 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting from the field. Junior guard Zoe Brooks continued her impactful season with 19 points, demonstrating her clutch scoring ability. Wing Guard Qadence Samuels provided a vital spark with 13 points, while Zam Jones delivered a masterclass in playmaking, contributing 12 points, a game-high 7 assists, and a team-leading 4 steals. Jones went out late in the 4th quarter with what looked to be an ankle injury.

While Cal managed to control the glass, outrebounding NC State 42-28, the Wolfpack’s defense remained resilient, forcing tough shots and preventing the Golden Bears from consistently capitalizing on those extra possessions. Cal’s Lulu Twidale led their scoring efforts with 16 points, with Naya Ojukwu adding 14 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to overcome NC State’s all-around strength.

Ultimately, the Wolfpack’s ability to convert turnovers, execute in transition, and distribute scoring across multiple playmakers proved too much for the visiting Bears. NC State finished the game shooting a solid 44.4% from the field.

This victory is another testament to NC State’s depth and determination as they continue their strong start to the 2025-26 season. The Wolfpack will look to carry this momentum forward into Clemson SC on Thursday, as they take on the Tigers in Littlejohn Coliseum for 8:00 tip-off.