Aziaha James scored all but four of her 29 points in the second half to lead NC State to a comeback win over Stanford in the Sweet 16, securing their spot in the Elite Eight. Despite trailing by 10 points at halftime, the Wolfpack mounted an impressive comeback in the second half, outscoring Stanford and ultimately winning by 10 points. James’ performance was crucial in turning the game around, and she was supported by players like Saniya Rivers and Zoe Brooks, who also contributed significantly to the win.
Stanford, led by Cameron Brink, had taken a comfortable lead in the first half behind Brink’s dominant play. However, the Wolfpack came out strong in the second half, going on a scoring spree that quickly flipped the momentum in their favor. Brink, who had been a key player for Stanford, fouled out in the fourth quarter, diminishing their chances of a comeback. Despite efforts from Kiki Iriafen and Hannah Jump, Stanford struggled to keep up with NC State’s strong offensive performance and solid defense in the second half.
The win against Stanford marked NC State’s third Elite Eight appearance in program history and their second in the last three seasons. The Wolfpack’s journey to the Elite Eight included a thrilling overtime victory over Tennessee in the second round, showcasing their resilience and ability to compete at a high level. With players like Aziaha James leading the way, NC State is now on the verge of a potential Final Four appearance, a milestone they have not reached since 1998.
The matchup between NC State and Stanford was a closely contested game that saw both teams fight hard for a spot in the Elite Eight. Stanford, despite their strong start to the game, struggled to maintain their lead in the face of a determined NC State team. The Cardinal’s reliance on players like Brink and Iriafen did not prove to be enough against the Wolfpack’s well-rounded offensive and defensive efforts.
The win over Stanford propelled NC State to the Elite Eight, where they will face either Gonzaga or top-seeded Texas. A victory in this upcoming game would mark a significant achievement for the Wolfpack, as it would send them to their first Final Four in over two decades. With momentum on their side and key players stepping up in crucial moments, NC State is poised to make a strong push for a historic postseason run.
Overall, NC State’s victory over Stanford showcased their ability to overcome adversity, execute under pressure, and compete at a high level in a tough tournament setting. Aziaha James’ standout performance, combined with contributions from her teammates, propelled the Wolfpack to a memorable win that set them on a path towards potentially making program history with a Final Four appearance. As NC State continues their journey through the NCAA tournament, they will look to build on this success and continue their pursuit of a championship title.
