N.C. State Wins Tough Game, Brooks' Status Unclear

0:00In Durham, it's March 21st, here's what is happening. NC State Women's Basketball team pulled off a tough 76-61 win over Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Midway through the third quarter, Star Guard Zoe Brooks went down with what looked like a lower right leg injury and had to leave the game in tears. After scoring eight points, her teammates stepped up big to secure the victory in advance. Xamaria Jones led the way with a career high 30 points, including 15 in the first half, plus three rebounds, three assists, and five steals. Camille Pierre posted her 22nd double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds while Caden Samuels added 12 points. And five boards. Freshman Kai Shi Lunan filled in nicely for Brooks with key free throws and rebounds. Coach Wes Moore called it a proud moment after a bumpy season full of tests for the team. Players echoed that, saying they rallied for Brooks and played as a unit bigger than

1:01anyone person. Xamaria Jones admitted social media trash talk from Tennessee fire her up, especially after NC State's prior wins over them. The Wolfpack jumped out hot, shooting perfectly from the field early and leading by double digits at half time despite some turnovers. They finished strong from the free throw line at 84% and held Tennessee to 33% shooting overall. The Lady Vols were missing their senior star, Janaya Barker, due to illness, and couldn't capitalize on their rebounding edge. Now the seventh seeded Wolfpack face number two seed, Michigan on Sunday in the round of 32, with Brooks' status still unclear as the medical. Team words on her recovery. His gritty win keeps their postseason run going strong.