North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Gears Up For Regional Semis Against UConn
3/23/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. – NC State head coach Kay Yow said she has been to California more times than she can remember in her 32 years working the sidelines for the Wolfpack.
But when the team landed at Fresno Yosemite International Airport on Thursday afternoon, it was the first time the long-time mentor graced the city of Fresno. Two more wins at the Save Mart Center over the next four days and Yow will never forget her time in the San Joaquin Valley.
Yow commented on the beautiful countryside and the gorgeous weather, “it’s a wonderful place to be.”
NC State took part in its open practice and first media session Friday afternoon leading up to Saturday’s regional semi-final matchup with perennial national-power Connecticut at 9 pm ET.
“Connecticut is a very talented and fast team that can really push the ball, explained Yow, who addressed a standing-room press conference crowd. “They have some outstanding players and we have outstanding players. It should be a great game.”
While UConn presents a tall task for the Wolfpack, senior Ashley Key knows her team has come up with big victories already this year.
“The wins over North Carolina and Duke were huge wins for us,” said Key. “They were extreme confidence builders that confirmed we can play with anyone in the nation. If we do everything we need to do, we have a great opportunity to come up with the win.”
Classmate Marquetta Dickens put it simple, “We’re going to come out and play NC State basketball like we always do and play great defense. Accomplishing that gives us a great chance of winning.”
Ironically, the last time NC State reached the Sweet 16, the Huskies were also the Wolfpack’s opponent. The result wound up in UConn’s favor back in 2001. Saturday’s game will be the fourth matchup in the NCAA’s between the two clubs. The Pack came up with it’s lone win back in 1991.
NC State will continue to work the post after a pair of dominating performances under the basket in a pair of NCAA victories at the RBC Center in Raleigh, scoring 92 of its 162 points in the paint.
Junior Khadijah Whittington fought her way to a career night, scoring 23 points and hauling in 11 rebounds. Fellow post player, senior Gillian Goring added 16 points and 11 rebounds, marking the fourth time this year both players came up with a double-double in the same game.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:05 pm with a national broadcast on ESPN.
Coach Moore Postgame Presser (Syracuse)
Sunday, February 22
WBB Players Postgame Presser (Syracuse)
Sunday, February 22
Brooks, Coach Moore Postgame at VT
Sunday, February 08
Coach Moore Postgame Presser (Florida State)
Thursday, February 05