NC State Women’s Basketball Stages Epic Comeback to Reach Elite Eight
Portland, OR – March 29, 2024 – The NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball team overcame a slow start and a dominant first half by Stanford to claim a dramatic 77-67 victory and advance to the Elite Eight for the second time in three seasons.
Down by double digits for much of the first half, NC State (30-6) found themselves trailing by 10 points at halftime. Stanford’s Cameron Brink controlled the paint on both ends, leaving the Wolfpack with just 27 points at the break.
However, the Wolfpack emerged from the locker room a different team. Led by a scorching performance from junior guard Aziaha James, NC State erupted for 28 points in the third quarter alone. James, who had only managed four points in the first half, exploded for 16 points in the pivotal third frame, single-handedly fueling the comeback.
Stanford’s All-American advantage dwindled as both Brink and Kiki Iriafen found themselves in foul trouble. Brink, who had dominated the first half, fouled out for the second consecutive game, leaving a significant void in the Cardinal’s defense. Iriafen, meanwhile, was forced to play cautiously with four fouls, limiting her effectiveness.
NC State capitalized on the frontcourt issues, exploiting mismatches and running their offense through the guards. With both River Baldwin and Mimi Collins battling foul trouble themselves, the Wolfpack found a way to utilize their depth and keep fresh legs on the court.
The comeback culminated in a dominant fourth quarter for NC State. They extended their lead to as many as 15 points and held on for a thrilling victory, silencing Stanford’s perfect record when leading by 10 or more points at halftime this season. James finished with a game-high 29 points, her best performance in over a month.
This win marks a significant accomplishment for the Wolfpack program, reaching the Elite Eight for just the third time in school history. They will now set their sights on the Final Four, facing the winner of the matchup between top-seeded Texas and fourth-seeded Gonzaga.
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