NC State finds itself in a bit of an unfamiliar position as an underdog in the NCAA Tournament after making it to the second weekend in the last two seasons. As a No. 7 seed, the Wolfpack knocked off the Tennessee Volunteers to earn the right to face No. 2 seed Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Sunday for a chance at playing in the Sweet 16 for the third-straight season.
If anyone can make it happen, it’s veteran coach Wes Moore, the leader of the NC State program for over a decade. Moore has experience at all levels of college basketball, so he understands what it takes to shock the world with a win like NC State could get on Sunday. He’ll do his best to have his team ready for a battle, even if it is without junior guard Zoe Brooks as she recovers from an injury.
What Moore said about Michigan
Moore is well aware of the problems Michigan could pose for the Wolfpack. The Wolverines are a deep squad led by a triumvirate of talented scorers, including Olivia Olson, Syla Swords and Mila Holloway. It will require a strong defensive effort from NC State, which hasn’t been easy for the Pack to produce consistently throughout the 2025-26 season.
“I had an opportunity to see them on TV against UConn and obviously, they had a chance to win that game. Great game,” Moore said. “They present a lot of problems. Play really hard. They crash the boards hard. They’re going to press. A little bit different than Tennessee’s press, but still man-to-man, similar press.”
Holloway was of particular concern for Moore. The talented guard is a member of a loaded stable of guards for the Wolverines, but leads the way with her shooting and athleticism. Stopping her given the potential lack of depth in the backcourt for NC State is a major issue heading into Sunday’s matchup…