The NC State women’s basketball went on the road to play Virginia Tech Thursday, defeating the Hokies 68-51.
Prior to the match, both teams had an 11-2 record this season. The competitive game was clearly shown in the first quarter where neither team was able to create a comfortable lead.
The first quarter was a tough contest between the Pack (12-2) and the Hokies (11-3). Tech barely held a lead by the end of the first quarter at 13-12.
In the second quarter, the Wolfpack started to take control of the game, pulling ahead 23-17.
The Wolfpack was able to take the lead with a stronger shooting percentage, particularly from the perimeter where the Wolfpack shot 40 percent compared to the Hokies 12 percent.
Senior Chelsea Nelson scored 18 points, the most for the Pack against Virginia Tech. Senior Akela Maize and redshirt junior Kiara Leslie each scored 14 points.
The Wolfpack walked off the court at the half with an eight-point lead, up 30-22. The Pack only allowed nine points in the second quarter.
True to its nature, the Pack rebounded well. Sophomore Erika Cassell had seven defensive rebounds in the first half. Cassell also ended the game with the most rebounds for a total of 14. By the end of the game, the Pack had 51 total rebounds, 25 more than Virginia Tech.
The Pack returned strong in the third quarter with no momentum lost, as it held a 10-point lead against the Hokies at 41-31.
In previous games, the free-throw line had been a struggle for the Pack. This game, the Pack was shooting 80 percent at the end of the third quarter, racking up easy points to keep a steady lead.
The Wolfpack only allowed two more points for the Hokies in the remaining minutes of the third quarter, keeping its lead at 48-33.
Turnovers are still a problem for the Pack. Most of the team’s turnovers occurred later on in the game, but nevertheless; the Pack had 18 turnovers, double the amount that Virginia Tech had.
Although the Wolfpack has room for improvement, this match against Virginia Tech has proved the team’s hard work has already made strides towards its performance on the court.
The Pack will return Sunday to Reynolds Coliseum against No. 3 Louisville.
