Aziaha James had a career-high performance in the game between North Carolina State and Texas, scoring 27 points and making seven 3-pointers. North Carolina State, the third seed, secured their first trip to the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament since 1998 with a 76-66 victory over top-seeded Texas. River Baldwin contributed 16 points to the win, and the team will now face unbeaten South Carolina in the national semifinals in Cleveland on Saturday. Texas, led by Madison Booker’s 17 points, was aiming for their first Final Four appearance since 2003.
Before the game, both coaches and officials noticed a visible difference between the 3-point lines on the court. Although the NCAA acknowledged a discrepancy, it was decided that the game would proceed as planned. Despite the differences in 3-point line distances on opposite ends of the court, it did not affect James’ performance, as she finished 7 of 9 on 3-point shots. N.C. State held an 18-point lead in the first half, but Texas closed the gap in the third quarter. However, key shots from James and Baldwin helped secure the win for North Carolina State.
The victory for North Carolina State marks a significant achievement for the team, as they had not reached the Final Four since 1998. Their previous Elite Eight appearance in 2022 ended in a double-overtime loss to UConn. Texas, on the other hand, has not made it to the Final Four since legendary coach Jody Conradt led the team there in 2003. Despite Texas’ efforts to narrow the gap in the game against N.C. State, the Wolfpack maintained their lead, ultimately sealing the victory. James’ impressive performance throughout the game, especially with her 3-point shooting, was a key factor in N.C. State’s success.
North Carolina State took an early lead in the game, with James scoring 10 points in the first quarter to help the team establish a 19-14 advantage. The Wolfpack continued to build on their lead, eventually going up by 18 points in the first half. Texas fought back, but N.C. State maintained control of the game, with Baldwin also making crucial plays to keep the Longhorns at bay. The win for N.C. State is a significant milestone for the team, as they look ahead to facing South Carolina in the national semifinals in Cleveland.
Despite the initial concerns about the 3-point line discrepancy, the game proceeded without major issues, and N.C. State emerged victorious over Texas to secure their spot in the Final Four. With standout performances from James and Baldwin, the Wolfpack showcased their strength and determination on the court. As they prepare to face South Carolina in the upcoming national semifinals, North Carolina State will look to build on their success and make a strong push towards the championship. The win against Texas marked a historic moment for the team, and they will carry that momentum into their next matchup in the Final Four.
