Zoe Brooks Injured, Misses NCAA Tournament Game vs. Michigan
NC State will travel to Ann Arbor without starting guard Zoe Brooks for its second-round matchup against No. 2 Michigan. The program confirmed the absence Saturday after Brooks suffered a foot injury in the Wolfpack’s first-round win over Tennessee.
Zoe Brooks Injured, Misses NCAA Tournament Game vs. Michigan was the update that followed her limited minutes. Brooks played 17 minutes in the Tennessee game and scored eight points.
Injury and status
Coaches said Brooks did not practice on Saturday and wore a walking boot. The staff emphasized her long-term health as the priority.
Head coach Wes Moore expressed confidence in the team’s depth. He singled out freshman guard Ky’She Lunan as a player who can step into a larger role.
Brooks’ season numbers
Brooks averaged 16.1 points per game this season. She also led the Wolfpack with 4.3 assists per contest.
Her season averages included 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals. NC State was 3-0 this year when she scored 25 or more points.
Who will carry the scoring load?
The Wolfpack will likely turn to Zam Jones for offense. Jones, a sophomore guard, scored a career-high 30 points in the Tennessee game.
Junior forward Khamil Pierre brings interior production. Pierre averaged 16.8 points and 12.1 rebounds per game this season.
Team implications
NC State enters the game as the No. 7 seed against No. 2 Michigan. The matchup is on Michigan’s home court in Ann Arbor.
A win would send NC State to its seventh Sweet 16 in the last eight NCAA Tournaments. The program will need balanced scoring and defensive focus without Brooks.
Recent history vs. Michigan
The teams last met in 2018 during the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. They have not faced each other since that meeting.
What to watch
- How much Ky’She Lunan handles the point guard duties.
- Whether Zam Jones can replicate her 30-point outburst.
- Khamil Pierre’s production on both ends of the floor.
