The nationally ranked #9 North Carolina State Wolfpack outscored Maine 19-9 in the second quarter on Tuesday night, and would pull away for a 66-47 women’s basketball win in a game played at James T. Valvano Arena inside Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Both teams struggled in the first quarter, shooting a combined 5-32 (16%), that included 2-14 from three-point range as it was just 9-5 NC State after the opening 10 minutes. Maine was able to hang around even into the second, as a layup from Sarah Talon made it 14-11 about halfway through the period. The Wolfpack turned it from there, going on a 14-0 run and taking a 28-14 advantage into the break. The hosts out of the ACC led by as many as 24 in the second half in improving to 2-1.
Khamil Pierre led all scorers in the win for NC State with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Zoe Brooks added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Zamareya Jones put in 10 points and grabbed seven boards. Asta Blauenfeldt led Maine with 16 points (7-14 field goal, 2 three-pointers), three rebounds, and two steals. Adrianna Smith had a double double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists but struggled from the floor (5-24). Kaliyah Sain chipped in with nine points and six rebounds. The Black Bears as a team ended up shooting 29% (20-69). Maine (0-2) will stay on the road and look for their first victory when they take on Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) on Friday night at 7 p.m.
