On Monday night, the 14th-ranked NC State women’s basketball team completed a huge second-half comeback in an 89-83 win over No. 10 Duke.
After leading 24-14 late in the first quarter, Duke went on a 20-0 run to capitalize on a Wolfpack drought that lasted until midway through the second quarter.
This three from Duke guard Ashlon Jackson — her fourth of six triples in the game — capped the Blue Devils’ insane run.
While Duke carried the momentum into the second half when it got out to a 48-36 lead about two minutes into the third quarter, the Wolfpack quickly turned the tide.
NC State outscored Duke 57-40 in a wild second half. That was in large part due to its efficient offense.
NC State shot 36-of-59 (61%) for the game and outscored Duke, 58-34, in the paint. James went off for a career-high 36 points (15-of-19 FG), including 15 in the final quarter. Her talents were on full display with this layup to get NC State within seven, 60-53, with over three minutes to play in the third quarter.
This offensive rebound and putback under the basket from freshman center Lorena Awou, who had eight points (4-of-4 FG) gave NC State the 80-78 lead with 2:57 remaining.
For Duke (17-5, 8-2 ACC), Monday night was completely different for a team that had only allowed 80 points or more three times this season. Although Duke shot well enough to win, its defense was its downfall.
Jackson (23 points, 6-of-14 3PT) and junior guard Taina Mair (21 points, 4-of-5 3PT) combined for 44 points and 10 of the Blue Devils’ 11 threes in the game. With a three-game stretch against unranked opponents looming, Duke will need to return to its defensive form if it is going to get back on track.
After winning its seventh straight game, NC State (18-4, 10-1 ACC) continues to rely on its offense following an 80-point outing for the fifth time in those seven games. Another potential shootout awaits on Sunday as NC State takes on No. 22 Florida State, a team that leads the country in points per game (92.5 PPG).
The Wolfpack may need more of what they got from James on Monday night if they are going to extend their winning streak.
