Takeaways: Cunane's perfect day leads Wolfpack in rematch with Eagles
No. 3 NC State women’s basketball’s first game of ACC play at Boston College was its toughest, as the Wolfpack needed a furious fourth-quarter rally for a six-point win. Sunday, NC State comfortably beat the Eagles, 76-57, to improve to 10-0 on the season and 5-0 in ACC play.
It wasn’t perfect, as the Wolfpack had 20 turnovers in the game. However, on the strength of four players finishing in double figures, shooting 53% from the field, and playing strong defense, the team got it done.
“Boston College plays so hard and so physical that it sometimes isn’t a whole lot of fun,” said head coach Wes Moore. “We had way too many turnovers. They’ve hurt us on the offensive boards both times we’ve played them. They play so hard and get after you. The good news is, we won and we’ll be able to pop this film in and learn some things.”
Cunane’s perfect day
As deep as this NC State roster is, there are times one forgets how dominant Elissa Cunane can be. There are also times where she delivers a reminder. Sunday was the latter.
Cunane finished the game perfect from the field, shooting 9-for-9 for 24 points while also grabbing eight rebounds. Cunane showed her trademark ability to attack the paint all day, driving to the inside to finish at the rim or draw fouls (she went 6-for-8 from the charity stripe).
“I knew last game that I was able to get the ball inside a lot, but I didn’t finish as well,” Cunane said. “... That was one thing that I did pay attention to going into this game was trying to finish more and know that I was gonna be open on the block.”
When Cunane is on, there are few, if any, players in the country who can match up, and she showed why against the Eagles.
More strong performances
Cunane was far from the only player to put in a great day’s work for the Wolfpack. Raina Perez continues to impress at point guard, as she found her teammates all day for scoring opportunities with nine of the Wolfpack’s 17 assists. She also provided plenty of offense herself with 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting. It was a stat-sheet stuffing day for the graduate transfer, as she also added four rebounds and three steals.
“I’m super comfortable,” Perez said. “I think just being more confident in myself helped me run the plays and see what shots I can get. I’ve been super comfortable finding my teammates when they’re open and taking my shots when I’m open.”
On the season, Perez is averaging over 11 points per game with 54 assists to 20 turnovers, and she’s been a great fit for this offense.
“She fit in from day one,” Moore said. “She’s got a great personality. Except for when we’re out there competing, she’s always got a smile on her face. She’s been a real blessing to our team where we needed a veteran point guard to step in, and obviously she’s done that well for us. As far as fitting in at the point, I don’t think it took long. I think everyone was comfortable with it.”
Jakia Brown-Turner scored in double figures, as she’s done in all 10 games this season, chipping in 13 points to go with five rebounds.
And, while Jada Boyd did not make quite the same impact she did against Georgia Tech, she again made an efficient impact off the bench, scoring 10 points and adding eight boards in just 19 minutes.
Strong third quarter
The Wolfpack took control over the penultimate quarter, out-scoring the Eagles 22-14 in the third to take a 60-43 lead into the final frame.
The team continued its strong finish to the second half and simply outplayed Boston College en route to stretching its lead, shooting 63% compared to 26% for the Eagles in the third. Boston College managed to shrink the lead over one stretch of the fourth quarter with its press, but ultimately the Wolfpack cruised to victory in a stark contrast from its first game against the Eagles.
“I think just playing our game,” Perez said. “I think we came out stronger than we did the last game, and that’s what coach Moore wanted. Last game we didn’t. I think we started really well in the first quarter and that’s what really got us going.”
The Wolfpack will return to action with a road tilt against Virginia Tech Thursday.