For the second time in the last four years, No. 9 NC State women’s basketball has reached the pinnacle of the regular season. With its 69-45 victory over SMU, the Wolfpack is ACC Regular Season Co-Champions, splitting the title with Notre Dame. However, because NC State beat the Fighting Irish a week ago, it is the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament and automatically advances to the quarterfinals.
The season has been full of trials and tribulations, including a surprising injury that forced two freshmen into the flames of the ACC, four away losses to teams that currently sit in the top 10 of the AP Poll, an upset victory over then-No. 1 Notre Dame in double overtime and an undefeated record in Reynolds Coliseum.
With full control of its destiny — a win clinched the No. 1 seed — and a matchup against the second-worst team in the ACC, the writing was on the wall for NC State. As expected, the Wolfpack (24-5, 16-2 ACC) went into Dallas and handled business, never giving SMU (10-20, 2-16 ACC) a sliver of hope in its 24-point victory.
As she has done all season, senior guard Aziaha James took over as the primary option for the Wolfpack, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine boards. James became a different animal in March last year as she led the Wolfpack to its first Final Four appearance since 1998. The star veteran appears to be in March form again, averaging 20 points over her last three games.
But James hasn’t been the only lethal scoring option for the Wolfpack. Sophomore guard Zoe Brooks has done more than enough to prove that she is one of the most talented scorers in the ACC. Brooks tied with James for the game high with 19 points while shooting 75% from the field. The one-two combo of James and Brooks has done wonders this season for the Wolfpack and will be heavily feared in the postseason.
At first glance, many would be confused at senior guard Saniya Rivers’ scoring numbers. The WNBA first-round hopeful scored just four points while shooting just 33% from the field. But when Rivers can’t score, she makes sure to do everything else at an elite level. She finished with a double-double, recording 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Additionally, Rivers is a ferocious defender, finishing with three steals and a block.
If James and Rivers are showing out, know that graduate guard Madison Hayes will show out too. Hayes scored 18 points and grabbed 11 boards, recording her fifth double-double of the season. “The Glue” has been a key reason as to why Moore’s four-guard set works so well. Hayes plays bigger than her frame, outrebounding nearly everyone on the court and will outhustle anyone.
With the team clicking the way it’s been over the last few games, it’s hard to imagine NC State losing before it reaches the ACC Championship game on Sunday. With its only two ACC losses being away games at then-No. 24 California and then-No. 12 UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State should heavily benefit from playing just an hour down the road in nearby Greensboro.
The Wolfpack begins its postseason crusade on Friday as it takes on the winner between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
