NC State basketball will face Longwood in first round of the NCAA women’s tournament
Longwood jumped all over Mount St. Mary’s in the First Four of the NCAA women’s tournament and never looked back.
The Lancers defeated the Mountaineers, 74-70, inside Reynolds Coliseum.
With the win, No. 16 Longwood (22-11) will face No. 1 seed N.C. State (29-3) at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
“Just incredibly excited for our women,” Longwood coach Rebecca Tillett said after the win. “This is the biggest moment in Longwood women’s basketball history so far. We hope there are more big moments after this.”
The Lancers jumped out to a 13-0 lead over Mount St. Mary’s, which was limited to just seven active players.
Here’s a first look at the next opponent for the Wolfpack.
Longwood starting five
Kennedy Calhoun (Fr) | 5-5, Guard | Harrisburg, NC |
Tra’Dayja Smith (Gr) | 5-5, Guard | Madisonville, TX |
Bri Johns ((So) | 5-11, Forward | Alexandria, Va. |
Kyla McMakin (Jr.) | 5-11, Forward | Virginia Beach, Va. |
Akila Smith (Sr.) | 5-11, Forward | Orlando, Fla. |
Common opponent
Longwood opened the season at Maryland, falling to the Terrapins, 97-67. N.C. State defeated Maryland, 78-60, on Nov. 25.
“We referenced that,” Tibbett said about playing a Power 5 opponent earlier this year. “We tied them in the first quarter.”
Leading the way
Akila Smith led Longwood with 32 points. Kyla McMakin chipped in with 18. The Lancers shot 41% from the field in the first half as they jumped out to a 36-18 halftime lead.
During the year, the Lancers were led by McMakin (18.0 ppg), Smith (16.9) and Tra’Dayja Smith (10.5).
What they are saying about the Wolfpack
“We wanted to beat this team so we can beat N.C. State. We are thinking about it (matchup with State), but we have more film to watch and preparation.” — Longwood forward Akila Smith.
“Obviously, they have earned everything, their seeding. I think for us it’ll be about going out and competing as hard as we can. How long can you play at your best to compete with a team that, on paper, outmatches you? That’ll be our mindset going in. I think, obviously, we have a lot of prep to do for them.” — Longwood coach Rebecca Tillett.
This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 6:19 AM with the headline "NC State basketball will face Longwood in first round of the NCAA women’s tournament."
