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RALEIGH, NC – What was already shaping up to be a critical home game for the NC State women’s basketball team against SMU on Sunday, January 11, has taken a dramatic turn following the release of a significant injury report. The matchup at Reynolds Coliseum, set to be broadcast on ACC Network at 6pm, will now see both teams navigating crucial absences, with SMU particularly hard hit.

The Crippling Blow: SMU Loses Key Starters and Depth

For the visiting SMU Mustangs (7-9 overall, 0-4 conference), the injury report delivers a potentially devastating blow. The Mustangs have listed five players as OUT for Sunday’s contest:

• #3 Tyi Skinner (G)
• #12 Kyla Deck (G)
• #13 Mailien Rolf (G)
• #20 Elise Hill (G)
• #42 Roxy White (F)

The absence of Tyi Skinner is particularly crippling for SMU. Skinner is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 13.6 points per game (as of Jan. 5). Her offensive production and leadership will be sorely missed.

Equally impactful is the loss of Kyla Deck. Deck is SMU’s defensive stalwart, leading the team with an astounding 3.8 steals per game and contributing 10.1 points per game offensively. Her absence will significantly blunt SMU’s disruptive defensive pressure, which is a cornerstone of their identity (averaging 10.9 steals per game as a team).

Rolf, Hill, and White, while not primary statistical leaders, represent crucial depth, further thinning an already challenged SMU roster that has struggled in conference play (0-4). Losing 23.7 points per game (from Skinner and Deck alone) and their top defensive playmaker will make an already tough road environment against NC State a truly mammoth task.

NC State’s Concern: Zamareya Jones listed as “Questionable”

On the NC State side, the Wolfpack (11-5 overall, 4-1 conference) will probably be without a key contributor, as Zam Jones (#3, G). With the SMU limping into Reynolds, we would not be surprised if Coach Wes Moore sits Zam on the bench to continue resting her ankle. Jones is a pivotal piece of NC State’s offense and playmaking, averaging 13.9 points per game and ranking third on the team with 59 assists and 18 steals.

If Jones sits, the Wolfpack will certainly feel Jones’s absence in terms of scoring and offensive flow. This was on full display against Clemson, when the offense totally sputtered in the fourth quarter. However, It is a chance for someone else to step up and fill the void in Zam’s absence. Players like Khamil Pierre (15.3 PPG, 11.9 RPG), Zoe Brooks (14.5 PPG, 71 assists), and Tilda Trygger (11.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG) have consistently proven they can carry the scoring load. Who will be the next women up for the Pack?

The Matchup Shifts Dramatically

SMU’s extensive injury report drastically alters the complexion of this game:

• Offensive Disparity Widens Considerably: NC State averages 75.4 PPG with a +11.3 scoring margin. SMU, already averaging 66.8 PPG with a -1.8 margin, will be severely handicapped without their two top scorers. Their ability to generate consistent offense will be extremely limited.
• Defensive Pressure Severely Blunted: SMU prides itself on its 10.9 steals per game, but losing Kyla Deck, their primary instigator, will undoubtedly impact their ability to generate turnovers and stifle NC State’s ball movement.
• Rebounding Dominance Amplified: NC State already holds a commanding +8.6 rebounding margin. With SMU’s depth reduced, particularly at forward with Roxy White out, the Wolfpack’s control of the glass is expected to be even more pronounced, leading to more second-chance points and limiting SMU possessions.

Outlook: A Steep Uphill Battle for SMU

The current injury report transforms this matchup into an immense challenge for SMU. Their ability to compete offensively will be severely compromised, and their typically disruptive defense will lack key personnel. For NC State, this presents a significant opportunity to bounce back decisively from their recent loss to Clemson and regain momentum against a short-handed opponent. While Zamareya Jones’s absence is notable, the Wolfpack’s overall talent and statistical advantages are amplified by SMU’s crippling injury situation.

Fans can expect NC State to control the tempo, dominate the paint, and capitalize on SMU’s depleted offensive options.

Game Prediction:

Considering the severe impact of SMU’s extensive injury list on their scoring and defense, alongside NC State’s robust depth which can mitigate Zamareya Jones’s absence, the Wolfpack is in a strong position. NC State’s rebounding superiority and home-court advantage will be overwhelming factors. Go Pack!

Predicted Final Score: NC State 78, SMU 48