After winning its regular season opener in a tight game against Villanova Friday, the NC State women’s basketball team dominated the High Point Panthers Sunday, winning 89-48.
The Wolfpack (2-0) got off to a large lead early, allowing the team to play all 16 of its players on the roster. Additionally, 11 logged double-digit minutes, while 14 players got on the scoreboard, with three notching double-digit performances despite no players seeing more than 21 minutes on the floor.
The Pack quickly jumped out to a 25-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, which was sparked by a 16-3 run in the final 3:48 of the quarter. Its momentum continued into the second quarter, going on a 7-2 run in the first 3:45 of the quarter. NC State went on a 9-4 run to end the first half with a demanding 44-22 lead, with junior guard Miah Spencer hitting the layup in the final seconds of the half.
The Wolfpack’s dominance leaked into the second half, going on a 14-2 run in the first 3:54 of the half. State locked down on defense, allowing only seven points in the entirety of the third quarter.
Despite several of its bench players and freshmen playing in the final quarter of the game, the Pack still managed to outscore the Panthers 18-17 to end the game with a 41-point victory.
After struggling from the field in the season opener in PNC Arena, Spencer found her shooting touch, converting 6-of-11 from the field and leading the team with 14 points and six assists. Spencer was the only player on the court for more than 20 minutes. Junior forward Jennifer Mathurin garnered 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds after posting a double-double in the season opener. Sophomore forward Chelsea Nelson also had a good game, notching 12 points on 5-of-6 from the field, six rebounds and three steals.
NC State looks for its third win of the young season against Radford Tuesday at 7 p.m. in PNC Arena.