PackWBB.com

NC State 80, Louisville 88 (OT)

Tough, competitive game that slipped away in overtime. NC State battled hard at Reynolds but fell 88–80 in OT.

Leaders: Khamil Pierre paced the Pack with 26 points; Zamareya Jones added 20 and Zoe Brooks 19. Those three carried the offense through stretches and kept NC State in the game.

How it went: NC State led for most of the first half and held the lead for a total of 32:10. The Pack hit 8-of-18 from three and finished 27-of-59 (46%) overall. Pierre’s inside scoring and the trio’s consistent production gave NC State multiple chances down the stretch.

What hurt: Louisville’s depth and bench scoring overwhelmed NC State — Louisville’s bench scored 57 points while NC State’s bench managed only 5. NC State also gave up 48 points in the paint and had 19 turnovers (compared to Louisville’s 13), which helped Louisville erase leads and force OT.

Late/game notes: The teams were tied 74–74 at the end of regulation. NC State fought in OT but Louisville pulled away behind hot free-throw shooting and bench play.

Final push: Pierre, Jones and Brooks all answered, but the Pack couldn’t overcome the opponent’s bench explosion.

Bottom line: Great individual efforts and a solid shooting night from the starters, but turnovers and a lack of bench scoring ultimately cost NC State in a close, physical game.