Rhode Island Stuns No. 16 NC State, Signals ACC Women’s Basketball in Crisis
Raleigh, NC – In a stunning upset that reverberates through the landscape of women’s college basketball, the Rhode Island Rams defeated No. 16 NC State 68-63 on Sunday afternoon. The victory marks a historic milestone for the Rams, their first against a ranked opponent from a Power Four conference, and exposes deepening cracks within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Ines Debroise sealed the Rams’ triumph with clutch free throws in the final seconds, despite a last-ditch three-point attempt from NC State’s Zam Jones falling short. Four Rhode Island players reached double figures, led by Vanessa Harris’s 15 points off the bench, while Palmire Mbu contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists. The win represents a signature moment for seventh-year head coach Tammi Reiss, securing her first victory in a Tobacco Road arena.
ACC Under Pressure: A League Facing Unexpected Challenges
The loss is particularly stinging for NC State, representing their first defeat to a mid-major opponent at Reynolds Coliseum since December 13, 2015 – a game also lost under the direction of head coach Wes Moore, then in his third season. This defeat is the Wolfpack’s third of the season, a concerning start for a team predicted to finish second in the ACC.
Financial details surrounding the game, obtained through public records requests, reveal that NC State paid Rhode Island $25,000 to appear, in addition to covering the cost of 12 hotel rooms. Reiss’s squad not only secured a significant win but also enjoyed a fully-funded trip to Raleigh.
Just a month ago, NC State and Duke were widely considered the frontrunners in the ACC, poised to host NCAA Tournament opening weekend games. Both programs began the season ranked within the top 10 of the AP Top 25 poll. However, both teams have stumbled, raising serious questions about the conference’s overall strength.
NC State’s early success, including a win over Tennessee, was quickly overshadowed by narrow losses to USC in Charlotte and TCU. The Rhode Island defeat will almost certainly result in the Wolfpack falling out of the AP Poll. Duke, meanwhile, was ousted from the rankings last week following a collapse against West Virginia and a subsequent 13-point loss at South Florida.
Duke appears to be grappling with issues of consistency and offensive firepower, while NC State is searching for a leader following the departure of key players to the WNBA. Time is running short for both programs to address these concerns.
A Cascade of Upsets: The ACC’s Struggles Extend Beyond the Top Teams
The woes extend far beyond NC State and Duke. SMU suffered double-digit losses to Grand Canyon and North Texas. Pitt was shockingly defeated by a Division III opponent. UMBC secured a road win at Virginia. Boston College has fallen to four New England rivals: Holy Cross, Harvard, Providence, and UMass. Georgia Tech lost at home to Jacksonville, and James Madison upset Virginia Tech. Florida State was defeated by a Florida team that had previously lost to Navy.
Outside of NC State’s win over Tennessee and Notre Dame’s narrow victory against USC (following a 39-point loss to Michigan), the ACC’s non-conference resume is remarkably thin. Victories by North Carolina over Fairfield, Syracuse over Utah, and Miami over Davidson – all on neutral courts – represent some of the league’s most notable wins to date.
The upcoming Feast Week MTEs and the ACC-SEC Challenge present crucial opportunities for the conference to bolster its non-conference record. Currently, it’s difficult to envision more than North Carolina, Notre Dame, and 7-0 Stanford earning top 16 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.
What does this string of upsets say about the current state of women’s college basketball power dynamics? And can the ACC salvage its reputation before conference play truly heats up?
Frequently Asked Questions About the ACC’s Struggles
What impact will this loss have on NC State’s NCAA Tournament seeding?
This defeat will likely drop NC State significantly in the rankings and could jeopardize their chances of hosting early-round NCAA Tournament games. Their remaining schedule will be crucial in rebuilding their resume.
Is the ACC’s decline a temporary setback or a sign of a larger trend?
It’s too early to definitively say, but the widespread nature of the upsets suggests deeper issues within the conference. Recruiting, coaching, and overall program investment are all factors that could be contributing to the decline.
How does Rhode Island’s victory impact their own postseason prospects?
This win provides a significant boost to Rhode Island’s resume and could position them for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, depending on their performance in the remainder of the season.
What are the key factors contributing to Duke’s struggles this season?
Duke appears to be lacking the consistent offensive production and defensive toughness they displayed last season. The loss of key players and a lack of clear leadership are also potential contributing factors.
Will the ACC-SEC Challenge be a turning point for the conference?
The ACC-SEC Challenge presents a critical opportunity for the ACC to demonstrate its competitiveness against a strong SEC. Positive results in these games could help restore confidence in the conference.
How much did NC State pay Rhode Island to play this game?
NC State paid Rhode Island $25,000 to play the game, and also covered the cost of 12 hotel rooms for the Rams’ travel party.
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