Most of the time in sports, you don’t get the storybook or fairytale ending. Many times it can be abrupt and cruel. Rarely can one leave the court or field with a smile or their head held high. It just doesn’t always play out that way.
But on Monday afternoon in their final game at Reynolds Coliseum, NC State women’s basketball trio of guards — seniors Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James and graduate student Madison Hayes — got to take a well-earned victory lap around the “Old Barn.” The three combined for 60 points, 23 rebounds, 13 assists, five blocks and four steals in No. 2 seed NC State’s dominant 83-49 win over No. 7 seed Michigan State to advance to the program’s 17th Sweet 16 — its sixth appearance in the last seven tournaments.
“We came in basically saying, ‘Y’all this our last one at Reynolds. Let’s show out,’” Rivers said. “I didn’t expect us to score 60 combined … but that’s beautiful basketball.”
Hayes, James and Rivers set the tone from the jump. They scored or assisted on every point in the first quarter and 46 of the Pack’s 47 points at halftime, powering the home team to a 24-point lead at the half.
Not only were they attacking the Spartans’ defense with ease but they were key in holding them to 10-31 from the field and forcing them into 11 turnovers. In the first four minutes of the game alone, James recorded a block and drew a charge, Rivers blocked another and Hayes got a steal.
“Our defense made this game for us,” Hayes said. “Being at Reynolds and being with the fans, this is me, Zaza and Saniya’s last go-round in Reynolds. It’s bittersweet, but we’re not done yet.”
The three also broke the program record for 3s in an NCAA Tournament game by themselves, combining for 12 of the team’s season-high 15 triples. James, who holds the school’s record for 3s in an NCAA Tournament game, knocked down six and Hayes made a career-high five all in the first half.
“It means so much,” James said. “I’ve been here all my four years, and just to do that for my last game and show Wolfpack Nation love from off the court, it means a lot to me and Madison and Saniya.”
Though it may have been their last game in Reynolds, the trio isn’t done as they continue to break program records. James currently sits at No. 2 for most points scored in the NCAA Tournament, just 58 points away from the top spot. Rivers sits at No. 4 for most assists in the NCAA Tournament, just 16 dimes away from being the program’s all-time leader. She also sits at No. 6 for most rebounds in the NCAA Tournament while Hayes sits at No. 7.
The three have already established themselves as some of the most accomplished players in program history, and with up to four more games in the season, they can become immortalized in Wolfpack fame. Head coach Wes Moore is trying to find a loop in the system to get all three of them back for next season.
“We’re trying to figure out a way to get these kids another year of eligibility,” Moore said. “So if you have any ideas, please let me know.”
James, Rivers and Hayes have epitomized NC State women’s basketball for the last two seasons. Throughout every game, every tournament run and every championship appearance, the trio have been the key cogs of the red-and-white machine. Their infectious energy, enthusiasm and hard-working mentality have defined this era of Wolfpack success. They aren’t just teammates — they’re best friends.
“Our chemistry is strong, on and off the court,” James said. “We always hang out with each other off the court, and on the court, we always know where each other is at. To see us hit that court one last time at Reynolds, it felt good.”
The senior trio took their time walking off the court. They participated in the fight song with the Wolfpack fans one last time. All three went into the crowd to celebrate with the fans and embrace the people who have made Reynolds one of the loudest environments in the country. Hayes was handed somebody’s baby as if she was the president. The Wolfpack faithful cherishes the trio and lauded them as such.
“The love they bring,” James said. “They’re not just fans, they’re family. They take care of us. Last year when we came back from Portland at 3 a.m., they were there for us. It goes to show the support they have for us and without them, we can’t be us.”
Next, the Wolfpack will embark on a cross-country road trip to the West Coast for the second consecutive year. This time, NC State will make a stop in Spokane, Washington awaiting either No. 3 seed LSU or No. 6 seed Florida State on Friday at either 7:30 p.m. or 10 p.m.
So how will the Wolfpack prepare for another trip to the northwest?
“You better be some McDonald’s fries, hot and ready,” James said. “Just being hot and ready. Don’t matter what circumstances come to you.”
