Gators fall in 3rd round of WNIT

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State junior Shayla Fields had a career-high 31 points and Khadijah Whittington posted the 41st double-double of her career in leading the Wolfpack to a convincing 80-55 win over Florida in the third round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament Thursday night at Reynolds Coliseum.

Fields made 6-of-9 on 3-point attempts and Whittington grabbed 17 rebounds and scored 13 points. N.C. State advances to play host to St. John's on Sunday.

By halftime, the Wolfpack led 40-25 en route to their 20th win of the season. N.C. State coach Kay Yow has posted 21 seasons of 20 or more victories in her Hall of Fame career.

There was little doubt about the outcome Thursday, especially after Fields drained a trio of 3-pointers in the first half from deep in the far corner of the court. For the game, the Pack shot 46 percent from the field while the Gators shot 33 percent.

“This was the best game we played as a team all season long,” Yow said. “It was fun to watch. We are starting to get into a rhythm now after having such a long lay-off. I hope that continues when we play on Sunday.”

Even with limited lineup options — sophomore center Chanita Jordan did not play because of a knee injury she suffered Thursday against South Carolina and Megan Zullo left the team — the Wolfpack seemed to be clicking on all cylinders.

Whittington was particularly effective early in the game, dominating the boards against a capable Southeastern Conference opponent. She had 10 of her team’s 22 rebounds in the first half. Her 17 rebounds was one off of her career high of 18.

She also played strong interior defense against Florida first-team All-SEC selection Marshae Dotson, holding her to six points and five rebounds.

Sha Brooks led the Gators (19-14) in scoring with 16 points. Jennifer Mossor added 11 and Depree Bowden had 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Florida had 16 turnovers, 12 of which came on N.C. State steals.

“Depree deserved to have her career end in a different fashion,” said Gator coach Amanada Butler. “It’s a tough way to have it end because she is such a fantastic young lady. I hope she’s able to look back on all that she gave our program, especially with all the successes she was able to help this team achieve. We were able to exceed expectations on most nights, just not tonight.”