North Carolina State women’s basketball team secured their spot in the Final Four for only the second time in program history after defeating No. 1 seed Texas 76-66 in the Elite Eight. Aziaha James played a crucial role in the team’s victory, scoring a career-high 27 points in the game. Texas’ Maddie Booker also had a strong performance, but it was James who led NC State to the win.
Texas struggled in the first half of the game, allowing NC State to build a sizable lead. The Longhorns managed to rally towards the end of the second quarter, going on a 9-3 run to close the gap before halftime. Despite their efforts to narrow the deficit in the third quarter, they were unable to fully catch up to NC State’s lead. James was particularly dominant in the first half, scoring 21 points and making all of her five 3-point attempts.
In the second half, James’ teammates stepped up to support her efforts. River Baldwin and Mimi Collins contributed offensively, helping to maintain NC State’s lead as Texas tried to make a comeback. Although Texas managed to get within eight points of NC State at one point, they ultimately couldn’t close the gap completely. NC State’s strong performance throughout the game secured their spot in the Final Four.
NC State will now face off against undefeated No. 1 seed South Carolina in the upcoming Final Four matchup. South Carolina secured their spot in the Final Four with a win over Oregon State. The clash between these two top teams promises to be an exciting and competitive game, with both teams vying for a spot in the championship game. NC State will look to continue their momentum from the Elite Eight win as they face the tough challenge of taking on South Carolina in the Final Four.
The win over Texas marks a significant achievement for NC State and their second appearance in the Final Four, highlighting the team’s strength and determination throughout the tournament. Aziaha James’ standout performance in the Elite Eight was a key factor in the team’s success, showcasing her talent and skill on the court. As the team prepares to face South Carolina in the Final Four, they will look to build on their momentum and continue their impressive run in the NCAA tournament.
Overall, NC State’s victory over Texas in the Elite Eight was a statement win that showcased the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. With Aziaha James leading the charge and her teammates stepping up when needed, NC State was able to secure their spot in the Final Four. The upcoming matchup against South Carolina promises to be a highly anticipated game, with both teams eager to advance to the championship game and compete for the NCAA title.
