Twin heartbreakers as Wolfpack, Tar Heels drop ACC women's openers

The opening night of the ACC schedule in women’s basketball was a very tough one for the conference’s two local state universities.

N.C. State dropped a 76-74 decision to visiting Clemson that was Itoro Coleman’s first conference victory as the Tigers’ coach, while No. 8 UNC saw its winning streak end at 14 in a 71-70 heartbreaker at Georgia Tech.

Clemson (8-8, 1-0) beat the Wolfpack (8-7, 0-1) despite a career-high 29 points with 13 rebounds from Bonae Holston, as Sthefany Thomas poured in 23 points to lead the Tigers.

And in Atlanta Georgia Tech (13-4, 1-0) got 24 points from Tyaunna Marshall to foil Italee Lucas’ 21-point effort for the Tar Heels (15-1, 0-1)

Clemson 76, N.C. State 74
Kirstyn Wright added 14 points, Jasmine Tate 13 and Bryelle Smith 10 for the Tigers to get their new coach her milestone win.
Marissa Kastanek had 16 points and Amber White 10 for State, which had a four-game winning streak snapped. State’s next game is Monday night at home against Wake Forest.

Georgia Tech 71, UNC 70
Alex Montgomery had 13 points, Metra Walthour 12 and Sasha Goodlett 10 as the Yellow Jackets got a 10th straight win for the first time under coach MaChelle Joseph.
Jessica Breland added 15 points and Waltiea Rolle 12 for the Tar Heels, whose next game is on Sunday at Boston College.