LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In an impressive performance during the Jimmy V Women’s Classic, the No. 22 North Carolina State women’s basketball team triumphed over Louisville with a commanding score of 72-42. Freshman standout Zamareya Jones was pivotal in this victory, contributing 11 of her season-high 18 points in a dominant second quarter. Remarkably, she did not miss a shot until the fourth quarter, showcasing her offensive prowess.

The Wolfpack (8-3) came out strong, grabbing an early 10-0 lead within the first three minutes of play, leaving the Cardinals scoreless for the initial five minutes of the game. Jones made an immediate impact upon entering the game, scoring a layup and sinking a 3-pointer in the closing moments of the first quarter, which concluded with NC State ahead 19-4. Louisville managed to narrow the gap with a late layup from Nyla Harris, but they still faced a 13-point deficit going into the second quarter.

As the second quarter unfolded, Jones continued her scoring spree, hitting two 3-pointers, one of which became a four-point play after a foul. Her layup with seven minutes remaining in the half brought her total to 16 points, equalling her previous career high. The Wolfpack maintained control and led by 20 points at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, NC State had extended their lead to 61-34, marking their sixth consecutive victory over Louisville and enhancing their lead in the all-time series to 9-8.

Saniya Rivers also had a notable game for NC State, achieving a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Aziaha James contributed significantly, scoring 11 points while grabbing nine rebounds and distributing five assists along with three steals. Zoe Brooks added another 11 points and provided three assists.

On the other hand, Louisville (6-5) struggled with their shooting accuracy, managing to connect on only 16 of their 67 attempts (23.9%). Despite their top-notch freshman class, which is considered one of the best in the country, they found it hard to establish an offensive flow. Harris ended the game with eight points and eight rebounds, while Olivia Cochran also scored eight points and added four rebounds. Freshman Tajianna Roberts, who entered the game as Louisville’s leading scorer at 11.3 points per game, finished with seven points and secured three steals, increasing her team-high total for the season to 20.