GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — In a season-opening showcase of grit and offensive firepower, the North Carolina State Wolfpack outlasted the Tennessee Lady Volunteers in a back-and-forth thriller Tuesday afternoon, securing an 80-77 victory before a crowd of 4,731 at Corbett Sports Center.

The game, which lived up to its billing as a clash of women’s basketball heavyweights, was not decided until the final possession, as the Wolfpack, favored by a slim margin pregame, managed to hold off a relentless Tennessee squad that erased a double-digit deficit.

North Carolina State established an early advantage, closing the first quarter with a 25-24 lead in a period defined by high-percentage offense. The Wolfpack then tightened their defense in the second quarter, limiting the Lady Volunteers to 20 points while scoring only 15 themselves. This defensive stand sent the teams into halftime with Tennessee clinging to a narrow 44-40 lead.

The third quarter proved to be the decisive frame. North Carolina State rediscovered its offensive rhythm, erupting for 23 points while holding Tennessee to 18, reclaiming a 63-62 lead heading into the final 10 minutes. The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with both teams trading baskets. The Wolfpack’s 17 points in the period were just enough to withstand Tennessee’s 15, as a last-second attempt by the Lady Volunteers to tie the game fell short.

The statistical battle was remarkably even in several key categories. Both teams scored 38 points in the paint, underscoring the physical nature of the contest. However, Tennessee capitalized more effectively on their opponents’ mistakes, scoring 16 points off turnovers compared to just 9 for the Wolfpack. That margin was not enough, however, to overcome North Carolina State’s balanced and efficient scoring attack.

The Wolfpack’s victory was a testament to a collective effort, with four players scoring in double figures. Talaysia Cooper of Tennessee delivered a phenomenal individual performance in a losing effort, nearly recording a triple-double. She finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists in 30 minutes of action, spearheading the Lady Volunteers’ offense throughout the afternoon.

For North Carolina State, Khamil Pierre recorded a double-double with a team-high 21 points and 14 rebounds, providing a dominant interior presence. She was ably supported by Tilda Trygger, who added 19 points and 8 rebounds, and the all-around play of Zoe Brooks, who posted 13 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Zamareya Jones also chipped in a crucial 18 points and 5 assists, forming a formidable backcourt.

Tennessee received significant contributions beyond Cooper’s standout line. Janiah Barker scored 15 points, while Jaida Civil provided an efficient 13 points off the bench in just 12 minutes of play. Mia Pauldo and Nya Robertson added 10 and 7 points, respectively, with both players also grabbing 6 rebounds.

With the win, North Carolina State begins its season with a record of 1-0, a hard-fought victory that should provide momentum for a challenging non-conference schedule. The Wolfpack are next scheduled to face Southern California in a neutral-site game in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday.

The loss drops Tennessee to 0-1 to start the season. The Lady Volunteers will look to rebound quickly as they return home to host East Tennessee State on Friday before hitting the road for a game at Tennessee-Martin on Sunday.

The final combined score of 157 points surpassed the pregame over/under line of 149.5, defying the expectations of oddsmakers who had anticipated a slightly lower-scoring affair. North Carolina State’s victory also confirmed the projections of statistical models that had given the Wolfpack a strong probability of winning on their home court.