NC State women’s basketball stuns Duke: 3 takeaways from a signature win for Wolfpack

In a dramatic and electrifying game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball team pulled off a stunning victory over the Duke Blue Devils. On a day that showcased both grit and poise, the Wolfpack made a strong statement with a win that could have major implications for their season. The game was a high-stakes battle, not just for conference supremacy, but for positioning in the national landscape as both teams had aspirations for high seeding in the NCAA tournament.

Duke, who had been one of the most dominant teams in the league, entered the game as heavy favorites. With their highly skilled roster, led by Jade Williams and Celeste Taylor, they were expected to keep their momentum going. But NC State, with their well-rounded squad and determined defense, had other ideas.

This win wasn’t just another notch on NC State’s belt; it was a signature victory—one that showed their potential to compete with the best of the best in the country. Let’s take a deep dive into the game and break down the three biggest takeaways from the Wolfpack’s thrilling win over Duke.

1. NC State’s Defense Was Relentless

The defining feature of NC State’s victory was their defense. The Wolfpack’s defensive intensity and commitment to executing their game plan from start to finish was evident. They managed to shut down Duke’s explosive offensive game, which had been a major strength for the Blue Devils throughout the season.

From the opening tip, NC State set the tone with aggressive full-court pressure and tight man-to-man defense. Jada Boyd and Elissa Cunane were stellar on the defensive end, using their size and athleticism to disrupt Duke’s offensive flow. Boyd, in particular, made her presence felt by constantly challenging shots and creating turnovers.

Duke’s shooting, which had been on fire leading up to this game, was significantly hindered by NC State’s defense. The Blue Devils, led by their top scorer Celeste Taylor, struggled to find open shots or rhythm. The Wolfpack’s perimeter defense, in particular, was stifling, limiting Duke’s ability to hit from the outside and forcing them into difficult mid-range attempts. The Blue Devils, who are typically efficient from long-range, finished the game shooting under 30% from beyond the arc.

Furthermore, NC State’s defensive rebounding was another key factor in limiting Duke’s second-chance opportunities. The Wolfpack’s ability to box out and secure boards meant that Duke was unable to capitalize on missed shots, denying them any rhythm offensively. As a result, Duke was held to a lower-than-usual point total, and their offensive execution appeared uncharacteristically disjointed throughout much of the contest.

In high-pressure games like this one, defense often makes or breaks the outcome, and NC State demonstrated they had the defensive chops to go toe-to-toe with a powerhouse like Duke. This win proves that when NC State is locked in defensively, they can neutralize even the most potent offensive teams in the country.

2. The Rise of Elissa Cunane as a Superstar

The standout player in this game for NC State was Elissa Cunane, who delivered one of her most impressive performances of the season. Cunane, a 6-foot-5 senior center, displayed a blend of skill, strength, and leadership that completely dominated the game.

Her post moves, footwork, and ability to finish around the basket made her nearly unstoppable. Duke’s defense had no answer for her, as Cunane scored at will in the paint and even showed a surprising ability to stretch the floor with some mid-range jumpers. Her 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists were a reflection of how effectively she controlled the game on both ends of the floor.

What truly set Cunane apart, however, was her leadership. She took control of the game in critical moments, particularly in the second half when the game was hanging in the balance. When Duke made a late push to reclaim the lead, it was Cunane who took over, scoring key baskets to keep the Wolfpack in front. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and make clutch plays in key moments of the game was the mark of a true leader.

Cunane’s performance on the defensive end was equally important. She consistently altered shots, grabbed critical rebounds, and used her length to disrupt Duke’s offensive flow. It was clear that the Blue Devils were hesitant to drive into the paint due to Cunane’s presence, and this had a significant impact on their offensive efficiency.

This game served as a reminder of why Elissa Cunane is considered one of the best players in the country. Her dominance in the post, combined with her ability to impact every aspect of the game, makes her a top-tier player in women’s college basketball. Moving forward, the Wolfpack will rely heavily on Cunane’s play to carry them through their upcoming games and into the NCAA Tournament.

3. NC State’s Poise in the Clutch

Perhaps the most important takeaway from NC State’s win over Duke is the team’s ability to stay poised in the face of adversity. Duke, a talented team with a strong fan base, made several runs throughout the game, especially in the second half, when it looked like they might take control of the game. However, the Wolfpack refused to buckle under pressure and showed maturity that belied their years.

After taking a comfortable lead early in the second half, NC State saw Duke charge back with a series of quick baskets, led by Jade Williams, who finished the game with a team-high 18 points. But unlike some teams that might have gotten flustered or panicked in such moments, NC State kept their cool. They continued to run their offense and didn’t rush shots, allowing them to maintain their lead in the final minutes.

A crucial sequence came with just over two minutes left in the game. With Duke on the verge of taking the lead, Diamond Johnson, one of NC State’s key contributors, hit a clutch jumper from the free-throw line to stop Duke’s momentum. This basket proved to be the turning point in the game, as it allowed NC State to build a small cushion and put Duke on their heels.

Another critical factor in NC State’s poise was their ability to handle the pressure of free throws. With the game on the line, the Wolfpack calmly sank free throws to seal the win, showing confidence in the most tense moments of the contest. This was a sign of a team that has the mental fortitude to go deep into the postseason and compete at the highest level.

Duke, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm when it mattered most. The Blue Devils committed several unforced turnovers in the final minutes, and their lack of composure at the free-throw line also proved costly. This is where NC State’s experience and ability to stay composed helped them claim the victory..