After a second half meltdown leading to a loss against Maryland, the women’s basketball team (10-13, 1-7) faces the Virginia Cavaliers (13-12, 2-7) at home. Both teams are coming off tough losses at the hands of ACC opponents. After the Pack’s loss to Maryland, its ready to get back home and come out with another ACC victory.
“I think it’ll definitely give us some momentum if we end up pulling this one out,” redshirt senior guard Amber White said. “Just like every other game, they’re going to be close. Finishing and putting two halves together will get us this win, and give us the confidence that we need.
“We’ve been so close so many times but we have to get over that hump.”
The team faces the Cavalier team that narrowly lost to No. 14 Florida State on Monday by four points, leaving them just one position ahead of the Pack for 10th in the ACC.
Fortunately for the Pack, Virginia is 0-4 on the road in conference, and State is hoping to make it five in a row. A win against the Cavs would then put both teams even at three ACC wins apiece.
“Every team in the ACC right now is good,” freshman forward Kody Burke said. “Being able to stay in the game both halves will put us in a much better position. Trying to get ourselves a win will be a hard enough task alone.”
The defense for State will have its hands full in the post with junior forward Chelsea Shine. Shine leads the team in both points and rebounds per game with 10 points and five rebounds per game. Burke will need to be aggressive as she adds more blocks to her already impressive 39 this season.
Also, the Pack will have to watch players from getting into foul trouble as the Cavaliers host a better overall free throw percentage.
“The most important thing we can do is deny easy looks,” White said. “We’re not going to keep anyone scoreless, that’s pretty hard in the ACC. We have to make them work for it. Keeping [Shine] under her averages is definitely our goal, so out defense will play a big part.”
For those attending the game, it is the annual Mascot Night, with the Carolina Panthers, Carolina Mudcats and Durham Bulls mascots all attending. These mascots will be involved in a halftime basketball show. There will also be a Greek Wing-Eating contest before the game, as well as free pizza for the first 200 students in attendance.
“Home games are always an advantage,” Burke said. “I love being at Reynolds, and the fact that we have our own gym is wonderful. The students always have our back, especially tomorrow night with everything going on.
“Being in the middle of campus makes it easier for people to see us. It’s a really good feeling to have everyone there, and they’ll of course make us play the best we can.”
Free pizza for students will start around 6:15 p.m., with game time set for 7 p.m.