Duke women remain perfect in ACC; NC State sees scoring swing in recent games

N.C. State saw a wild swing in scoring over its past two games, with two vastly different situations. The Wolfpack set major scoring records in one, and faltered in the other, going 1-1 on the week.

N.C. State (15-7) defeated Boston College, 106-84, on the road Thursday night, scoring more than 100 points for the second time this season.

The Pack’s 106 points were the third-most in an ACC game in program history, and its most since Jan. 12, 1991, when it scored 120 points in a triple overtime loss to Virginia. It was the first time crossing the century mark on the road since dropping 127 against Howard on Jan. 31, 1992.

Against BC, the Wolfpack shot 38 of 62 (61%) from the field and 22 of 23 (95.7%) from the stripe in the win.

The Eagles, despite N.C. State’s wide margin, made things interesting early in the game. BC hit 16 of 38 (42.1%) from the arc, sinking 11 in the first half.

The Pack’s third-quarter defense held the Eagles to one 3-pointer and four made baskets after BC cut the lead to single digits.

Zoe Brooks led all scorers with 27 points while finding her teammates for seven assists. Tilda Trygger was right behind Brooks with a career-high 25 points.

Khamil Pierre picked up her 13th double-double of the season to lead the ACC and rank No. 3 among Power Four players.

N.C. State did not continue its hot shooting on Monday night, when it hosted North Carolina (18-5) for its annual Play4Kay game. The Tar Heels upended the Wolfpack, squeaking out a 61-59 win in the lone meeting this season between the two programs. It was the fifth straight win for the Tar Heels.

“It’s just right that Carolina and N.C. State are playing it together at State,” UNC coach Courtney Banghart said. “It’s the right matchup; two really good teams you can count on year after year, two passionate fan bases and for the greater good.”

UNC’s defense had a few breakdowns, but it put on a solid performance for most of the night, holding the Wolfpack to 37% field goal shooting and 23.8% 3-point shooting. It also shot just two free throws.

The Wolfpack got down by as many as 10 points and fought back in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late. Its eight-point third period hurt N.C. State’s chances and limited momentum.

“The game pressure was there for sure, and we finally showed some response to it,” Banghart said. “I mean, these are the two youngest teams in the league, and we play like it a lot, as do they. We certainly started to respond to it, which was great.”

Pierre added a 14th double-double, leading the Wolfpack with 14 points and 15 rebounds. UNC’s Lanie Grant paced all players with 18 points.

This was Carolina’s only game of the week. It returns with two games in the next six days. The Tar Heels host Clemson at Carmichael Arena at 6 p.m. Thursday.

N.C. State also returns to action Thursday against Florida State. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Reynolds Coliseum.

Duke continues ACC dominance

Duke (16-6) rolled through its week to extend its winning streak to 13 games and move to 11-0 in conference play after beating Miami on the road and downing Wake Forest at home. This is the best ACC start under head coach Kara Lawson, and the best start since the program went 15-0 to start the league slate in the 2012-13 season.

The No. 20 Blue Devils started their week with a 74-58 win against the Hurricanes before picking up an 80-44 victory against the Demon Deacons.

Toby Fournier notched a pair of double-doubles for Duke and brought her total to six this season. She led all players in the game against Miami with 23 points, 16 of which came in the second half, and 11 rebounds. On Sunday, Fournier finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. She continues to look like an ACC Player of the Year candidate, with the way she commands the floor and does it all for Duke.

Despite Duke’s solid win on Thursday, it needed a solid fourth-quarter performance after Miami scored 27 points in the third and cut its lead to five points. The Blue Devils held the Hurricanes under 10 points to end the game and rebuild their lead.

The Blue Devils started the contest with a 21-9 first quarter and looked like they would run Miami out of its own gym, but Miami’s steady scoring and second-half push made it competitive.

Duke’s ball movement and few mistakes allowed the team to build a 19-point advantage. Twenty of the Blue Devils’ 28 baskets were assisted while only turning the ball over seven times.

Miami, meanwhile, finished with 13 assists and 13 turnovers. The Blue Devils scored 19 points off the errors.

Three-point defense also played a clutch role in Duke’s win. The Hurricanes shot 1 for 11 (9.1%) from the perimeter, including 0 for 7 in the final period. The Blue Devils shot 7 of 13 (53.8%) from downtown.

Duke, however, had no issue against Wake Forest and led wire-to-wire. It led the in-state rival, 42-10, at halftime and only gave up two points in the second quarter.

The Blue Devils defense forced a season-high 31 turnovers, including 19 steals, and scored 31 points on the changes of possession. At several points, the Deacs’ stat sheet featured more turnovers than points. Another imperfection that didn’t help Wake Forest? Two flagrant fouls that gave Duke free throws and the ball.

There was little to be done after Duke’s impressive start, leading to Wake’s eighth straight loss in conference play after a solid start to the season.

Arianna Roberson joined Fournier the double-double club on Sunday. Roberson scored 12 points and pulled down 11 boards. She tallied four blocks, as well.

Delaney Thomas finished shy of a triple double after contributing 11 points, eight rebounds and eight steals.

The Blue Devils put their win streak to the test this week when they play at No. 7 Louisville. The game is set for 7 p.m. Thursday on ESPN.