RALEIGH, N.C. - Despite three double-figure scorers, costly turnovers and a lull in the second quarter put North Florida behind as No. 8 NC State grabbed a 93-65 win in both team's season opener at Reynolds Coliseum on Wednesday afternoon.
Ospreys of the Game
Turning Point
NC State used two large runs and capitalized on 12 turnovers with 15 points in the first half to put enough distance that North Florida could not recover from.
QUOTE FROM THE TOP
"I am not happy with the result, but NC State is a really good basketball team that will win a lot of games this year. We knew we would have to defend the paint in order to stay in the game and that didn't happen. Offensively we did some really good things and there is a lot to be excited about on that end of the floor. If we can take care of the ball and rebound better we will be okay!" -
head coach Darrick Gibbs
INSIDE THE GAME
- The teams kept it tight early with UNF taking its lone lead of the game on a triple from Jones, but NC State then went on a 10-0 run to lead 14-5.
- Back-to-back threes from Mackins pulled the Ospreys to within four, but it was as close as it would get for the game. As time expired in the opening frame, Jazz Bond hit her lone bucket of the game to make it 25-16.
- The second quarter tipped the scales in the Pack's favor as the Ospreys scored just 11 points for the frame to trail 45-27 at the half. UNF was held without a basket for more than four minutes.
- The Ospreys closed the gap to 20 on Mackins three-pointer, but that was as close as they would get for the game.
- NC State outscored UNF 48-38 in the second frame as UNF worked to control the ball, surrendering just eight points on turnovers.
Osprey Fast Breaks
- Five newcomers made their Osprey debut with each one putting at least a point on the board. Junior transfer Marissa Mackins led the team with 22 points thanks to six three-pointers.
- As a team, North Florida hit 12 three-pointers, six shy of the single-game record.
- Senior Rhetta Moore came off the bench to record eight points, three rebounds and three assists.
- Freshman Summah Evans led the team with five rebounds.
What's Next
North Florida heads back to the Sunshine State to face off with another ACC opponent in Miami on Saturday. The Ospreys then stay on the road to travel to FAU for a Monday matchup.
