North Carolina State University Athletics
Women's Hoops Takes Game One Versus G.S. Palestrina
5/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
May 24, 2004
PALESTRINA, Italy - NC State women's basketball earned its first international win after a 77-76 victory versus G.S. Palestrina on Sunday, May 23. Senior Kendra Bell sealed the win after hitting a free throw with four seconds to go. Sophomore Ashley Key led the Pack with 19 points and sophomore Sasha Reaves had a game-high 10 rebounds. NC State has three games remaining and will play next on Thursday, May 27. The Wolfpack leaves Monday morning for Athens, Greece.
The setting of the game was not what NC State was used to playing in. Among the crowd of 200 plus fans, which included about 10 Wolfpack fans, were smokers and a cheering Italian group. In addition to that, NC State had to learn a completely new set of rules. To start the game was set up with four, 12 minute quarters. In addition there was a 24 second clock, an eight second halfcourt count and each team entered bonus after six team fouls, shooting two free throws automatically. With just eight players suited up to play, NC State entered a longer and more physical game. Before the team took to the court, head coach Kay Yow instructed the players about the foul calling - which were only called in extreme situations, the wider lane - three feet more on the baseline, a five foul count and movement in the lane during free throws, just to name a few. Immediately after the tip NC State didn't take long to acclimate itself to the fast-paced European style of play. The Pack took a 47-38 lead at the break and led in the first two quarters, 22-20 and 25-18. Ashley Key was hot with her game-high 17 points and three, three-pointers.
The second half was a bit tougher for the Pack. The Palestrina team battled back using a 13-5 run midway through the third quarter and eventually tied the game with just over two minutes to go. NC State never gave up the lead however despite a second tie with 55 seconds remaining. Bell found her way to the line after a strong move to the basket and hit one of her two tries to put the Wolfpack up 77-76. In addition to her nine points, Bell added a team-high six steals and four assists. Sophomore Marquetta Dickens played a strong second half, despite having four fouls. She finished with 14 points and sophomore Keisha Brown added 11 to round out the double figure scorers.
As part of international tradition, the two teams shook hands and exchanged t-shirts and the Wolfpack was awarded its first trophy of the trip. A golden bowl to signify a terrific win.
NC State will play its next three games in Athens beginning with back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday. Friday's game will be against the Greek National Team.
