The No. 9 ranked NC State Wolfpack secured a dramatic victory over the No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers, winning 80-77 in a fiercely contested game on March 15, 2025. The match showcased a series of lead changes, but NC State ultimately triumphed thanks to a strong performance from their key players.
Terquavion Cooper led the scoring for NC State with 23 points, shooting 9 of 17 from the field. His contribution was pivotal, especially in the closing moments of the game when every point mattered. Jarkel Joiner and D.J. Burns provided crucial support, scoring 18 and 13 points, respectively.
Tennessee, while falling short, had several standout performances. Jordan Barker scored 15 points, and Josiah Jordan-James added 21 points, leading the Volunteers’ efforts. The team had a challenging shooting night, finishing with a field goal percentage of 39.5%, compared to NC State’s 39.5%.
Game Highlights and Statistics
The game was marked by a strong defensive strategy from both teams, but NC State’s ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities proved decisive. NC State shot 57.1% from the line, converting 8 of 14 attempts, while Tennessee achieved a 71.4% success rate with 15 of 21 attempts.
The Wolfpack and Volunteers were evenly matched in rebounds, each securing 48 boards. Terquavion Pierre was particularly effective on the glass for NC State, grabbing 14 rebounds, while Cooper led Tennessee with 11 rebounds of his own.
Three-point shooting was another area of contention. Tennessee attempted 33 threes, making 9, with Barker hitting 3 and Cooper contributing 2. Conversely, NC State managed to sink only 5 of their 17 attempts from beyond the arc, with Jarkel Joiner making 2.
The foul count added to the tension of the match, with Tennessee committing 23 fouls compared to NC State’s 10. Despite the disparity, neither team had players foul out, showcasing disciplined play throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
The victory propels NC State forward as they continue their campaign in the tournament. The team will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Tennessee will need to regroup and reassess their strategy ahead of their next game.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will be keen to refine their performances and adapt to the challenges ahead. With talented rosters and competitive spirits, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the days to come.
