No. 9 Louisville rallies past North Carolina State 88-80 in overtime, stays unbeaten in ACC play

Louisville extends winning streak with road comeback in Raleigh

Louisville’s ninth-ranked women’s basketball team overcame a double-digit second-half deficit Sunday, defeating North Carolina State 88-80 in overtime in Raleigh, North Carolina. The victory pushed Louisville to 18-3 overall and 8-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while NC State fell to 13-6 overall and 6-2 in the ACC.

The game turned on Louisville’s ability to stabilize after trailing by as many as 13 points in the second half. NC State led 23-14 after the first quarter and carried a 50-47 advantage into the fourth. Louisville then produced its most productive stretch of the afternoon across the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth, flipping the game’s momentum and setting up a finish that required extra time.

Imari Berry’s career day powers the rally

Guard Imari Berry delivered the defining performance, finishing with 33 points and 12 rebounds. Berry’s scoring output was the high mark in the game and came alongside multiple late possessions that helped Louisville extend the contest and then separate in overtime.

Skylar Jones added 17 points for Louisville, with a significant portion of her production coming during the fourth quarter as Louisville erased the deficit and matched NC State’s late scoring. Mackenly Randolph scored 12 points and accounted for four of those points in overtime as Louisville built control in the extra period.

NC State builds late lead but cannot close in regulation

NC State generated offense from multiple perimeter creators and reached the final minute of regulation with a chance to secure a significant conference win. Khamil Pierre led the Wolfpack with 26 points, while Zamareya Jones scored 20 and handled key playmaking responsibilities. Zoe Brooks also reached double figures, scoring 19 points and converting all eight of her free-throw attempts.

With under a minute remaining in regulation, NC State held a five-point lead. Louisville responded with a rapid sequence that included a three-pointer and free throws, tying the game at 74 and forcing overtime after neither team converted a game-winner in the closing seconds.

Overtime separation keeps Louisville perfect in league play

In overtime, Louisville outscored NC State 14-6, capitalizing on defensive stops and a steadier offensive pace. The result extended Louisville’s overall winning streak to 11 games and preserved its unbeaten start in conference play, a key marker as the ACC race approaches its midpoint.

• Final score: Louisville 88, NC State 80 (OT)
• Louisville record: 18-3 overall, 8-0 ACC
• NC State record: 13-6 overall, 6-2 ACC
• Top scorers: Imari Berry (33), Khamil Pierre (26)

Louisville turned a late five-point deficit into a tie in the final minute, then controlled overtime with a 14-6 advantage.