The NC State women’s basketball team will take on the No. 9 Maryland Terrapins in what will be the biggest challenge the Wolfpack has faced yet.

The Terrapins (7-1) currently sit as a top ten team in the nation, with just one loss against powerhouse South Carolina. The Terrapins have mostly blown away every other team they have played, only allowing an average of 52 points per game.

In addition to Maryland’s impressive defense, the Terrapins also average 86 points per game, showing their ability to score.

While the Terrapins currently sit as a major threat to NC State’s perfect record, the Pack will show up ready to fight and win.

The Wolfpack (8-0), like Maryland, has also blown away most teams it has played, and has yet to be truly challenged this season. Similar to the Terrapins defense, the Wolfpack has allowed an average of 53 points per game, but also averages 77 points per game.

To compete with this top 10 school, the Pack will look to senior guard Aislinn Konig, a consistent player for the Pack. NC State will also look to junior guard Kai Crutchfield. Both Konig and Crutchfield average 30 minutes per game for NC State and are scoring 10.4 and 9.8 points per game, respectively. Another threat for the Wolfpack is freshman guard Jakia Brown-Turner, averaging nine points per game and playing over 25 minutes per game in only her first year at NC State.

With a strong defense and a roster with depth and skill, the Wolfpack has the opportunity to take down the Terrapins and maintain its perfect record to make it 9-0.

The game will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at Reynolds Coliseum and will be broadcast ESPN.