Instant observations: NC State overcomes another slow start to cruise past Maine

NC State’s start to the 2025 campaign is filled with elite opponents. After it split a pair of top-20 clashes with a win over then-No. 8 Tennessee and a 1-point loss to then-No. 18 USC, the program had a break from ranked action to open its home slate at Reynolds Coliseum But while Maine, which was voted to finish second in the America East, provided an opportunity to right the ship before No. 17 TCU visits Raleigh on Sunday, NC State had to weather yet another inconsistent shooting start. The 10th-ranked Pack, however, was able to work through some disjointed play, at times, as it cruised to a 66-47 win over the Black Bears on Tuesday night.  Junior forward Khamil Pierre led the Pack with 18 points and 10 rebounds for her third straight double-double, while junior guard Zoe Brooks added 14 points and sophomore guard Zamareya Jones chipped in with 10 en route to the victory. The team, which turned in a 30.3 percent shooting mark in the opening half, logged a 50 percent clip after halftime to cruise past Maine to improve to 2-1 on the young campaign. Here are TheWolfpacker.com’s observations from NC State’s second win of the 2025 campaign.