DURHAM, N.C. - (Feb. 17) Thursday night's game features two top-15 teams that are among the ACC leaders. Duke has won back to back regular season conference titles but currentlystand in third place in the ACC standings. NC State sits in first place,a half game ahead of Virginia and one game over the Blue Devils.
NC State is one of the hottest teams in the league, winning fivestraight, including three in a row since Summer Erb went out with abroken foot. Duke is coming off back to back conference wins after losingtwo straight.
Earlier this season, NC State defeated Duke 80-75 in a thrillingovertime game in Reynolds Coliseum. Amy Simpson came off the bench toscore a career-high 26 points to lead the Wolfpack. Summer Erb and PeppiBrowne, who are both out with injuries, recorded double-doubles for theirrespective teams in that game. Erb posted 19 points and 10 rebounds whileBrowne had 25 points and 12 boards. NC State held a huge reboundingmargin (46-33) and outshot the Blue Devils 51.7% to 36.2%.
NC State lead the overall series with the Blue Devils 37-15. The Packhasn't won at Cameron since Jan. 2, 1996. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.