• Well, folks, if you missed NC State women’s basketball’s showdown against SMU on Sunday, you missed a total clinic! The Pack absolutely steamrolled the Mustangs 91-54, putting on a show at Reynolds Coliseum that had everything a fan could want. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement about what this team can do when everyone’s firing on all cylinders.

    Qadence Samuels: Unleashed and Unstoppable!

    Let’s kick things off with Qadence Samuels because, wow, what a game! She wasn’t just good; she was unleashed. Qadence led the Pack with a career-high 16 points on incredibly efficient 7-for-10 shooting. Seriously, every shot looked smooth. But it wasn’t just the points; her insane +37 plus/minus for the game tells you everything. When she was on the floor, the Pack was simply unstoppable. This felt like a true breakout game, showing she’s ready to take her game to the next level.

    Zam Jones: Back and Better Than Ever!

    And guess who was back in action? Zamareya Jones! After dealing with that ankle injury, there were definitely some questions, but Zam erased all doubts. She dropped 15 points on super-efficient 5-for-8 shooting, hitting all three of her free throws. More importantly, she looked completely fluid, driving to the basket, knocking down shots, and showing absolutely no lingering side effects from that ankle. Her return is a massive boost, and she didn’t miss a beat.

    The Twin Towers: Pierre and Trygger Dominate the Paint

    When you talk about controlling the paint, you’re talking about State’s “Twin Towers” – Khamil Pierre and Tilda Trygger. These two are just a nightmare for opponents. Both walked away with double-doubles: Pierre had 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Trygger chipped in 13 points and 10 boards on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting! They just own the glass, finishing inside, and making NC State a real ACC force down low. Good luck trying to get a rebound against those two!

    Adelaide Jernigan: Emerging from the Bench

    But wait, there’s more! While the starters were shining, the bench continued to show its incredible depth. Freshman Adelaide Jernigan quietly had a fantastic outing, putting up 9 points on an efficient 4-for-6 shooting in just 11 minutes. She looked composed, hit big shots, and seamlessly fit into the flow of the game. Her emergence adds another dynamic scoring threat and shows the future is bright.

    Chemistry: The Pack Just Clicks!

    Beyond the individual brilliance, what really stood out was the overall team chemistry. You can just feel it with this group. You could see it on the sidelines. Everyone looked happy, playing for each other, making the extra pass, and celebrating each other’s success. Whether it was the starters building an early lead or the bench pouring in 33 points to keep the foot on the gas, this team looked completely cohesive. That kind of camaraderie is infectious and makes them incredibly fun to watch.

    This wasn’t just a blowout win; it was a demonstration of NC State’s talent, depth, and undeniable team chemistry. The Pack is humming, and the ACC should take note!

  • RALEIGH, NC (January 11, 2026) – The NC State women’s basketball team delivered a resounding performance against SMU on Sunday evening, securing a dominant 91-54 victory at Reynolds Coliseum. From tip-off to the final buzzer, the Wolfpack showcased their depth, efficiency, and relentless defense, improving their season record to 12-5 overall and 5-1 in ACC play.

    NC State never trailed in the contest, holding the lead for an astounding 39:33 of game time. Their control was evident early, as they jumped out to a strong start and never looked back, eventually building their largest lead of 44 points.

    Offensive Onslaught from All Angles

    The Wolfpack’s offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting an impressive 54.5% from the field (36-for-66) for the game. This efficiency translated into points both inside and out, with 42 points coming in the paint and 18 points off fast breaks.

    Four Wolfpack players reached double figures, highlighting a well-distributed scoring attack:

    • Qadence Samuels led all scorers with a breakout performance of 16 points on a highly efficient 7-for-10 shooting, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.
    • Zamareya Jones contributed an efficient 15 points, hitting 5-for-8 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
    • Khamil Pierre recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
    • Tilda Trygger had a perfect shooting night, going 5-for-5 from the field and 2-for-2 from three-point range for 13 points, while also grabbing 10 rebounds for her own double-double.

    Unrelenting Control on the Glass

    NC State completely dominated the rebounding battle, outrebounding SMU by a significant margin of 51-26. Their relentless effort on the offensive glass resulted in 13 offensive rebounds, which translated into 16 crucial second-chance points, compared to just 2 for SMU.

    Stifling Defense Creates Opportunities

    The Wolfpack’s defensive intensity stifled SMU throughout the game, holding the Mustangs to a mere 54 points on just 32.3% shooting (20-for-62) from the field. NC State forced 14 turnovers, converting those into 19 points off turnovers. Their defense set the tone early, limiting SMU to just 9 points in the first quarter on 23.5% shooting.

    Depth Shines Bright, Bolstered by Key Contributions

    Even with their starters performing at a high level, NC State’s formidable depth truly shone, contributing a significant 33 points off the bench. This included a notable performance from Adelaide Jernigan, who provided 9 points on efficient 4-for-6 shooting in just 11 minutes of action.

    Next up, the Pack travels Thursday to Winston-Salem to take on the Wake Forest 12-6 (2-4). Tip-off is 6pm.

    1. Ran Away With It From the Jump! No suspense here! The Pack practically ran away with it from the opening tip, never giving SMU a sniff of the lead. Holding it for nearly the entire game and building a huge 44-point lead? Yeah, that’s dominance!
    2. Buckets Galore, Sharing the Love! The scoring was on fire, with the team hitting over half their shots (54.5% FG!). Good to see Zamareya Jones coming back after her ankle injury last Sunday. She wasn’t messing around either, dropping 15 points on super-efficient 5-8 shooting and helping set the tone. Four different players hit double digits, showing everyone got in on the action.
    3. Owned the Glass, Second Chances for Days! Forget SMU, the Pack owned the rebound battle, gobbling up boards 51-26! Those 13 offensive rebounds meant plenty of easy put-backs and second chances.
    4. Defense Was Locked DOWN! Seriously, SMU had no easy looks. The Pack’s D held them to just 54 points and a dismal 32.3% shooting. They really turned up the heat in the first quarter, shutting SMU down to just 9 points!
    5. Bench Kept the Party Going! With SMU already hurting, the Pack’s starters built a nice lead, but the bench help keep the Mo! Freshman Adelaide Jernigan poured in 9 points on efficient 4-6 shooting in just 11 minutes, helping the 33-point bench total show off just how deep and talented this squad is.
    6. Qadence Samuels Went OFF! Holy smokes, Qadence Samuels had herself a night! She led everyone with a super-efficient 16 points on 7-10 shooting and just looked unstoppable. Plus, her insane +37 on the court just screams that she was everywhere making winning plays. What a breakout!
    7. Go Pack!
  • 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

    ACC Women's Basketball Initial Report listing players from SMU Mustangs who are out and NC State Wolfpack player who is questionable for the upcoming game on January 11.
  • As the SMU women’s basketball team heads into Reynold’s Coliseum on Sunday for a 6:00 tip-off, PackWBB.com takes a deep dive into the statistics (as of January 5, 2026). What it reveals is a squad with a penchant for defensive disruption, but one that’s still searching for consistent offensive rhythm. With a current overall record of 7-9 (0-4 in conference play), let’s break down the Mustangs’ performance through the lens of their season statistics.

    The Overall Picture: Fighting for Every Point

    The Mustangs are in a battle for every possession, evident in their scoring margins. They currently average 66.8 points per game, while their opponents edge them out slightly at 68.6 points per game. This results in a tight -1.8 scoring margin, indicating that most of their games are decided by a few crucial plays.

    Offensive Efficiency: Room for Growth

    From an offensive standpoint, SMU is working to find its most efficient stride:

    • The team shoots 39.9% from the field, with opponents holding a slight edge at 40.4%.
    • From beyond the arc, SMU connects on 31.5% of its three-point attempts, making an average of 6.0 threes per game.
    • At the free-throw line, the Mustangs convert 68.8% of their shots.

    While these numbers suggest areas for improvement, individual performances highlight potential:

    • Tyi Skinner leads the scoring charge, dropping 13.6 points per game.
    • Zahra King follows closely with 13.1 PPG, showcasing efficiency with a team-best 51.3% field goal percentage.
    • Paulina Paris is another key offensive piece, adding 11.0 PPG.

    Defensive Intensity: A Force to Be Reckoned With

    Where the Mustangs truly shine is on the defensive end, demonstrating an aggressive and disruptive style of play:

    • SMU averages an impressive 10.9 steals per game, frequently turning opponent possessions into fast-break opportunities.
    • They also boast 4.3 blocks per game, indicating a strong presence protecting the rim.
    • This defensive pressure often leads to turnovers, with SMU forcing 18.2 turnovers per game from their opponents, creating a positive +0.5 turnover margin.

    Leading the defensive efforts are:

    • Kyla Deck, a standout with a remarkable 3.8 steals per game.
    • Zahra King and Tyi Skinner contribute significantly with 1.7 steals per game each.
    • Anaya Brown is a key shot-blocker, averaging 1.2 blocks per game.

    Rebounding Battle: A Key Focus Area

    One area where SMU faces a consistent challenge is on the boards. The team averages 36.6 rebounds per game, but opponents are securing 40.8 rebounds per contest, leading to a -4.1 rebounding margin. If SMU thinks they can march into Reynolds and walk away with the W, controlling the glass will be crucial for the Mustangs. Good luck with that because NC State leads the league in rebound efficiency!

    • Miriam Ibezim leads the team in rebounding, pulling down 6.0 boards per game.
    • Sahnya Jah also provides a strong presence on the glass with 5.3 rebounds per game.

    Looking Ahead

    SMU’s statistics paint a picture of a team that commits to defense, actively creating turnovers and blocking shots. The challenge lies in translating that defensive effort into more consistent offensive production and improving their presence on the glass. To PackWBB.com, this looks to be an NC State blow-out.


  • Raleigh, NC – The NC State women’s basketball team returns to Reynolds Coliseum this Sunday, January 11, to host SMU 7-9 ( 0-4) at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ACC Network. After a recent road loss, the Wolfpack will be eager to get back on track and defend their home court.

    NC State currently holds an 11-5 overall record, including a 4-1 start in conference play. Their last outing saw them fall to Clemson (65-75 on Jan. 8), snapping a six-game winning streak. With a solid 6-2 record at home, the Wolfpack will be looking to regroup and start a new winning streak.

    A Look at the Wolfpack’s Season So Far:

    As of January 9, 2026, NC State’s statistics demonstrate a team built on strong offense and dominant rebounding:

    • Offensive Prowess: The Wolfpack averages 75.4 points per game, maintaining a healthy +11.3 scoring margin over opponents who average 64.1 points.
    • Efficient Shooting: NC State is shooting 43.7% from the field and converting 70.8% of their free throws. The three-point percentage is 29.4% needs improving, but like Coach Moore says, the potential is there.
    • Commanding the Boards: Rebounding remains a significant strength, with NC State pulling down an average of 45.6 rebounds per game compared to their opponents’ 36.9, resulting in an +8.6 rebounding margin.
    • Ball Movement: The team averages 14.6 assists per game, showcasing effective ball distribution, and holds an assist/turnover ratio of 1.2.
    • Defensive Effort: NC State applies defensive pressure, averaging 6.3 steals and 3.9 blocks per game.

    Key players continue to lead the charge for NC State:

    • Khamil Pierre tops the scoring with 15.3 points per game and is a dominant force in rebounding, averaging 11.9 boards, while shooting 52.4% from the field.
    • Zoe Brooks contributes 14.5 points and 5.6 rebounds, also leading the team in assists with 71.
    • Zamareya Jones adds 13.9 points per outing. Will she be ready to play vs SMU?
    • Tilda Trygger is an efficient scorer with 11.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

    Scouting the SMU Mustangs:

    SMU enters Sunday’s game with a 7-9 overall record and is 0-4 in conference play (as of January 5, 2026). The Mustangs are looking to break a winless streak and find their rhythm on the road.

    SMU’s statistics reveal a challenging season, particularly on offense and rebounding:

    • Scoring Struggles: The Mustangs average 66.8 points per game while allowing 68.6 points, resulting in a -1.8 scoring margin. They shoot 39.9% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc.
    • Rebounding Disadvantage: SMU is often out-rebounded, averaging 36.6 boards per game against opponents’ 40.8, leading to a -4.1 rebounding margin.
    • Defensive Pressure: Despite offensive struggles, SMU shows resilience on defense, averaging 10.9 steals and 4.3 blocks per game, suggesting they can disrupt opponents and create turnovers.

    Key contributors for SMU include:

    • Tyi Skinner, who leads the team with 13.6 points per game.
    • Zahra King, contributing 13.1 points and 2.6 rebounds, and a team-high 51.3% field goal percentage.
    • Paulina Paris averages 11.0 points and 3.2 rebounds.
    • Kyla Deck is a strong defensive player, averaging 10.1 points and an impressive 3.8 steals per game.

    Matchup Outlook:

    This contest presents a classic matchup of NC State’s strong offensive and rebounding presence against SMU’s disruptive defense. The Wolfpack will aim to leverage their size and scoring efficiency, especially in the paint, while SMU will rely on their ability to force turnovers and create fast-break opportunities. NC State’s ability to minimize turnovers against SMU’s pressure and dominate the boards will be crucial in securing a win and getting back to their winning ways.

    Game Prediction:

    Given NC State’s significant advantages in scoring, rebounding, and overall season performance, coupled with their home-court advantage and motivation to bounce back from a loss, the Wolfpack are poised for a strong showing. While SMU’s defense can be disruptive, their offensive struggles and rebounding deficit are likely to be too much to overcome against a formidable NC State squad. Expect NC State to control the tempo and secure a comfortable victory. Expect Reynold’s to be rowdy! Go Pack!

    Predicted Score: NC State 80, SMU 62

  • 6’2” Combo Guard Kamora Pruitt, the 2026 signee for NC State, is lighting it up in her senior year! She helped lead @legionGhoops to a victory over Kingdom Collegiate with a final score of 88-72. KP Helped lead a bigtime comeback! 4 for 6 3PT! 😁

  • Hey, so NC State’s women’s basketball team? They’ve got a pretty good record at 11-5, which is awesome. But man, they are really struggling from deep, and it’s kind of a head-scratcher. They’re only hitting 29.4% of their three-pointers across all games (last year’s team shot .33% for the entire season). That means they’re making about 5.8 threes per game, which isn’t a lot when the opposing teams are sinking more. In the Clemson game, NC State was 4-19 from beyond the arc while Clemson was 8-24.

    And get this – when you look at the leaders in the ACC, NC State is really lagging behind. Notre Dame are draining them at 36.1% (overall), Louisville at 35.7%, and even North Carolina is at 35.3%. That’s a pretty big difference, like 5-7 percentage points! It means defenses can just hang out in the paint against NC State, making it super hard for them to score inside. The Pack has to be more completive beyond the arc if they are going to compete for an ACC title this season.

    Adding to the frustration, after their recent loss to Clemson, Coach Wes Moore didn’t mince words about the shooting woes when asked about the lack of 3 point offense. He told InsidePackSports.com:

    “I don’t know what to tell you. We were four for 19 from three. And obviously, you miss Zam some in that area. But, I don’t know. We’ve got some players that every day in practice and shoot arounds, they’re knocking them down. And then we get in the game. We just hadn’t been able to get them to go down like we need to.”

    He’s right, missing Zam Jones, who’s usually a big-time playmaker and is hitting 34.1% from three (overall), definitely doesn’t help. Her ankle injury and being out means one of their better outside shooters is sidelined, making it even tougher to find that offensive rhythm.

    To break it down even further, here’s how everyone’s doing individually from downtown:

    NC State Individual 3-Point Shooting: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not (by Overall 3FG%)

    Player3FG-3FGA3FG%
    LUNAN, Destiny14-29.483
    COX, Maddie9-24.375
    JONES, Zamareya29-85.341
    TRYGGER, Tilda10-35.286
    PIERRE, Khamil1-4.250
    SAMUELS, Qadence14-58.241
    QUIGLEY, Devyn8-34.235
    JERNIGAN, Adelaide3-16.188
    BROOKS, Zoe5-31.161
    COLLIER, MALLORY0-0.000

    You can see Destiny Lunan is doing fantastic on her shots, and Maddie Cox and Zam Jones are solid contributors. But honestly, a lot of the team is shooting under 25%, especially the other guards.

    Looking at that table, it raises a big question: if Destiny Lunan is hitting nearly half her threes at 48.3%, has she earned more playing time, especially when the Pack is desperately looking for consistent three-point help? It’s definitely something to consider!

    So, what’s the deal? NC State really needs a glue player. Last year, that role was filled by Madison Hayes, who hit 38 three-pointers at a solid 41% rate. Before her, there was Kai Crutchfield, who made 40 threes on 90 attempts (44%) in her senior season. Looking at this year’s roster, it seems like there’s no one who has stepped up like they did. Both Madison and Kai could nail a huge three when the team desperately needed it, but I don’t see anyone stepping into that role to date. Zam Jones is more of a leader like Aziaha James, the young gun, but who’s going to calm the seas when she’s having an off night or sidelined with an injury? After the Clemson game, that question is still hanging out there. It’s understandable that Coach Moore is frustrated; he sees the potential in practice, but it just isn’t showing up in games for some reason.

  • Fourth Quarter Collapse Sinks the Pack

    The Wolfpack fell to Clemson tonight, dropping their season record to 11-5 (4-1 ACC) while the Tigers improved to 12-5 (3-2 ACC). The Pack played hard, especially their bigs, but the stats tell a clear story of where things went wrong for NC State. Here’s what immediately jumps out:

    1. The Fourth Quarter Collapse Was Brutal and Decisive. NC State entered the final frame with a narrow lead, but their offense completely evaporated. Scoring a paltry 8 points in the fourth quarter, compared to Clemson’s 23, was the absolute turning point. It’s tough to win any college basketball game when you only manage 3 field goals in the final ten minutes (3-15 FG, 20%). The energy and execution simply weren’t there when it mattered most.

    2. Pierre and Trygger: NC State’s Dominant Frontcourt Shined, But Needed More Help. Khamil Pierre (17 points, 11 rebounds) and Tilda Trygger (19 points, 11 rebounds) were absolute beasts in the paint, both recording double-doubles. They were highly efficient, particularly Pierre shooting 8-13 (62%) from the field. Their interior presence was undeniable, generating 36 points in the paint for NC State. However, their individual brilliance wasn’t enough to carry the team, suggesting a lack of consistent support from the perimeter.

    3. Clemson’s Bench and Fast Break Points Were Game-Changers. Look no further for a difference-maker: Clemson’s bench poured in a massive 40 points compared to NC State’s 6. That’s a huge disparity in reserves’ contributions. Add to that Clemson’s 20 fast break points versus NC State’s meager 2, and you see a team that was deeper and played with more pace. This depth and transition game seemed to wear down the Wolfpack, especially late in the game.

    4. Zam Jones’s Absence Likely Stifled NC State’s Offensive Flow. While not directly measurable by a single stat, the pre-game status of Zam Jones being “out” due to an ankle injury looms large. With Zam being unavailable, it’s reasonable to infer a disruption in ball-handling, playmaking, and overall offensive rhythm which was obvious, especially in the 4th quarter, which to date has been Zam’s quarter to shine. The Wolfpack’s low assist total (13 assists on 26 made field goals) and struggling three-point shooting (21.1% 3FG) could, in part, be attributed Jones status on the bench.

    5. Three-Point Shooting Woes Crippled the Wolfpack. NC State shot a dismal 4-19 (21.1%) from beyond the arc for the entire game, including a chilling 0-5 in the second half. In a game where Clemson hit 8-24 (33.3%) from deep, that difference of 12 points from three-pointers alone is significant. When the interior presence is strong, you need the perimeter shooting to open things up. NC State simply couldn’t find its range, making it easier for Clemson to defend and pack the paint.

    6. Go Pack!