Tennessee
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (03/20/2026) — The Tennessee Lady Volunteers' season came to an abrupt end Friday night, as a barrage of three-pointers from the NC State Wolfpack proved insurmountable in a 76-61 loss at the Crisler Center.
Tennessee struggled to find its offensive rhythm all evening, shooting a frigid 33% from the field and committing 17 turnovers. The Wolfpack capitalized on nearly every mistake, seizing control early and never relinquishing the lead to advance in postseason play.
How It Happened
From the opening minutes, NC State established its dominance. After Tennessee opened the scoring with a Talaysia Cooper jumper at the 9:35 mark, the Wolfpack unleashed a massive 19-2 run. The offensive onslaught was fueled by sharp-shooting from beyond the arc, capped by a 25-foot three-pointer from Zamareya Jones that pushed the NC State lead to 19-4 with 4:59 left in the first quarter.
Tennessee attempted to trade baskets, with Nya Robertson and Talaysia Cooper connecting on threes of their own, but the Wolfpack had an answer for every push. A Qadence Samuels three-pointer and another from Cooper just before the buzzer helped NC State take a 26-19 lead into the second quarter.
The second frame saw NC State extend its advantage, methodically building a double-digit lead. A driving layup by Jones at the 7:59 mark made it 28-19, and a Khamil Pierre layup just before the halftime horn sent the Wolfpack into the locker room with a commanding 40-29 lead.
Coming out of halftime, the Lady Volunteers showed signs of life. They mounted their most significant charge of the game, chipping away at the deficit. A three-pointer from Deniya Prawl was followed by one from Talaysia Cooper, and suddenly Tennessee was within striking distance. When Mia Pauldo drained a 23-foot three-pointer with 3:03 left in the third, the NC State lead was sliced to just two points at 48-46. But that was as close as Tennessee would get.
Turning Point
With all the momentum shifting toward Tennessee, NC State's Zamareya Jones delivered the game's decisive blow. Just 48 seconds after the Lady Vols cut the lead to two, Jones calmly stepped into a 26-foot three-pointer, silencing the Tennessee run and pushing the Wolfpack lead back to 51-46. The shot instantly deflated the comeback bid. NC State closed the quarter on a 9-2 run, punctuated by two Jones free throws, to enter the final period with a 57-48 advantage they would not surrender.
Star of the Game
While complete stats were not immediately available, Zamareya Jones was the clear catalyst for the NC State Wolfpack. She consistently delivered crucial baskets whenever Tennessee threatened. Her deep three-pointer to open up a 19-4 lead set the tone early, and her clutch three in the third quarter extinguished the Lady Vols' best comeback effort. Jones scored at all three levels, hitting multiple long-range jumpers, finishing at the rim, and converting from the free-throw line to pace the Wolfpack offense.
What It Means
For the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, the loss marks a frustrating conclusion to the 2026 season. The offensive issues that plagued the team on Friday night — poor shooting (19% 3PT) and costly turnovers — highlight areas needing significant improvement heading into the offseason. The inability to generate consistent offense against a quality opponent ultimately sealed their fate.
For the NC State Wolfpack, the victory is a powerful statement. Their offensive efficiency and ability to score in bunches, evidenced by their 10 made three-pointers, make them a formidable force. By weathering Tennessee's best punch and responding with authority, the Wolfpack proved their composure and readiness to make a deep postseason run.