The NC State Wolfpack upset Stanford in the Sweet 16, with coach Wes Moore jokingly referring to himself as Elvis after the game. The team continued their success in the Elite Eight, defeating Texas 76-66 to advance to the Final Four for the second time in program history and the first time since 1998. The Wolfpack will face No. 1 seed South Carolina in the national semifinals, marking a significant achievement for Moore in his 35th year as a head coach.
The Wolfpack’s journey to the Final Four mirrors their unranked status in the preseason, making them the seventh team to make the jump from unranked to the national semifinals and the first since Washington in 2016. They were led by standout performances from Aziaha James, who set a program-record with seven 3-pointers in the game, and Saniya Rivers and Zoe Brooks, who excelled in transition play. Despite being outrebounded by Texas, NC State’s fast-paced offense and efficient shooting helped them maintain their lead throughout the game.
In the second half, when the pace slowed down, River Baldwin stepped up in the paint, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter and providing a valuable scoring option for the team. The Wolfpack’s ability to adapt their game plan based on the situation and the performance of their players highlights their versatility and resilience. With a historic season that includes the second-most wins in school history, NC State is now focused on overcoming the final hurdle of playing in their first national championship game.
NC State’s success in the NCAA Tournament has defied expectations, as they were initially unranked and projected to finish eighth in the ACC. However, they have proven themselves with impressive wins over their opponents and a strong showing in the tournament. As they prepare to face South Carolina in the national semifinals, the Wolfpack are determined to continue their remarkable journey and make history for their program. After the men’s team also advanced to the Final Four, it’s a proud moment for NC State basketball as a whole.
