N.C. State Beats Tennessee 76-61 in NCAA Women's Opener

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, sophomore guard Zamareya Jones poured in a career-high 30 points, including 15 in the first half, to lead seventh-seeded North Carolina State to a 76-61 victory over 10th-seeded Tennessee in the opening round of the women's NCAA Tournament on Friday night. The win advances the Wolfpack, now 21-10, to face second-seeded Michigan in the second round on Sunday at the Wolverines' home court, though they may be without All-ACC guard Zoe Brooks after she suffered a right leg injury in the third quarter and did not return.

N.C. State jumped out to an early dominance, making its first eight shots with little resistance and embarking on a 15-0 run to claim a 19-4 lead in the opening quarter. The Wolfpack carried a 40-29 halftime advantage, fueled by Jones' scoring and assists on three more baskets, contributing to 22 of their 40 first-half points. Khamil Pierre added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Qadence Samuels chipped in 12 points and five rebounds. Brooks managed eight points, all in the first quarter, before exiting after 17 minutes of play.

Tennessee, which entered the tournament on an eight-game losing streak, its first such skid...