Wolfpack to Play Alabama and South Dakota State at Puerto Rico Clasico

November 22, 2017

Game Notes | FloHoops ($$) | Radio Broadcast

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Ranked 23rd in the latest USA Today Coaches Poll, the unbeaten NC State women's basketball team (5-0) begins play at the relocated 2017 Puerto Rico Clasico on Thursday, Nov. 23 against Alabama. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. from Cardinal Gibbons High School.

Following Thursday's game against Alabama, the Wolfpack will take on South Dakota State Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. For a fee, fans can view both games on FloHoops.com.

NOTING THE WOLFPACK
-NC State enters tournament play with a spotless 5-0 record.
-No. 19 rebound margin in the nation (+14.2).
-No. 22 FG percentage defense in the nation (.325).
-Kaila Ealey ranks 41st nationally in assist to turnover ratio (3.71).
-No. 48 FG percentage in the nation (.459).

SCOUTING THE CRIMSON TIDE
-Alabama enters Thursday's game the owner of a 4-0 record.
-The Crimson Tide returns all five starters from a team that went 22-14 in last season and won three games in the Postseason WNIT.
-Alabama has the No. 4 FG percentage defense in the nation, allowing its opponents to shoot just .298 from the field.
-The Crimson Tide ranks 14th nationally in scoring margin, having defeated its foes by an average of 31.5 points per game.
-Ashley Knight ranks third nationally with 15 blocked shots.
-Common opponents: defeated Jacksonville 75-60 on Nov. 16.

SCOUTING THE JACKRABBITS
-South Dakota State enters Puerto Rico Clasico play with a 3-1 record. NC State will be SDSU's first opponent at the tournament, meaning the team's last contest was a Nov. 18 game at Green Bay.
-The Jackrabbits return three starters from a team that went 23-9 last season and advanced to the second round of the Postseason WNIT.
-SDSU ranks 14th in the nation in 3FG attempted (27 per game) and 38th in rebounds per game (46.2).

SERIES HISTORIES
-Thursday's game marks the sixth meeting between NC State and Alabama. The Crimson Tide holds a 3-2 edge in the series.
-In the last meeting between the teams, NC State defeated Alabama 79-57 in Raleigh on Dec. 11, 2011.
-Friday's game will be the first meeting between NC State and South Dakota State.

LAST TIME OUT
For the fifth time during head coach Wes Moore's tenure at NC State, the Wolfpack (5-0) is on a five-game winning streak following a 73-56 victory at Old Dominion Monday evening inside the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Redshirt sophomore Kaila Ealey authored a terrific performance, narrowly missing the third triple-double in program history with 12 rebounds, nine assists, and eight points. Senior Chelsea Nelson led all scorers with 17 points on 8-12 shooting while Kiara Leslie (15) and Lucky Rudd (10) joined her in double figures.

The teams were tied 36-36 at halftime, but NC State used an unbelievable third quarter to take control of the contest once and for all. NC State outscored Old Dominion 19-3 during the third quarter, going 7-12 (.583) from the field while limiting the Monarchs to a success rate of 1-14 (.071).

POINTS IN THE PAINT
NC State's offense this season has been very successful close to the basket. The Wolfpack has outscored its opponents in the paint by a 178-76 margin.

SHARING THE RESPONSIBILITIES
In five wins this season, the Wolfpack has had a different leading scorer and a different leading rebounder four times.

STARTING HOT
NC State is +54 this season in the first quarter, outscoring its opponents 112-58 in four games.

TRIPLE DOUBLE TERRITORY
With 12 rebounds, nine assists, and eight points, redshirt sophomore point guard Kaila Ealey nearly notched just the third triple-double in program history in the win at Old Dominion. Tynesha Lewis (1998-2001) owns both triple-doubles in the 43-year history of the program.

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Wolfpack to Play Alabama and South Dakota State at Puerto Rico Clasico

Players Mentioned

Kaila Ealey

Kiara Leslie

Chelsea Nelson

Lucky Rudd

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