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Final thoughts on NC State vs. Wake Forest (W, 95-77)

• The Pack closed strong in Winston-Salem, pulling away in the second half to win by 18. Balanced scoring and dominant rebounding set the tone — NC State out-boarded Wake and turned extra possessions into points.
• Khamil Pierre and Tilda Trigger controlled the paint, converting on high-percentage looks and cleaning the glass. Zam Jones hit timely shots while Zoe had 9 assist and 0 Turnovers.
• Defensively, the Wolfpack limited Wake’s looks at the rim and forced enough turnovers to fuel transition scoring. Execution in late-possession sets was clean, and made free-throws sealed the margin.
• Takeaway: Confidence boosted, rotation tested in a road environment, and the Pack demonstrated the interior toughness they’ll need against top competition.

Turn the page: Sunday vs. Louisville (Reynolds Coliseum)

• Stakes: This is a true ACC gauntlet — a win puts NC State squarely in the conference driver’s seat. ESPN’s predictor gives the Pack a 42.4% (fine, 42% if you prefer rounding) chance — which is adorable considering this is at Reynolds. Anyone remember the big game against Norte Dame last year?
• Keys to victory: own the glass, attack inside (get Pierre going), protect the ball, and make Louisville earn every three. Home crowd energy and physical play should be leveraged from tip.
• Short preview: Expect a gritty, possession-focused battle. If NC State repeats the rebounding and defensive toughness shown vs. Wake Forest while converting at the stripe, Sunday becomes a genuine upset opportunity.

Final note to fans: Let’s celebrate the Wake win, then bring the noise for Louisville — let’s prove predictors wrong in the loudest way possible.