In its final non-conference game of the season, all signs pointed to an easy win for No. 21 NC State women’s basketball against James Madison. And after a 20-point first quarter, it seemed like the Wolfpack would cruise into Christmas. But in one of its worst showings of the season, the Pack managed just six points in the second quarter, squandering its double-digit lead.

The normally raucous Reynolds Coliseum was silenced as fans were subjected to one of the poorest shooting performances of 2024. NC State made just 14% of its shots in the second frame.

All hope seemed lost. But in times of need, star senior guard Aziaha James shines.

“I don’t think I have time to doubt,” James said. “Being one of the leaders and having the freshmen look up to me, I don’t have time to doubt or look down on myself. It’s just go time.”

It was go time indeed as James erupted for 10 points in just the first five minutes of the third quarter, making all four of her shots — including two 3-pointers — and silencing any doubts about the Wolfpack blowing the game.

The James-led Wolfpack banded together to handle business in its 61-47 victory over JMU Thursday night at Reynolds Coliseum. James once again proved why she is one of the premier talents in the ACC, finishing the game with 21 points, 16 of which came in the second half.

“Being one of the leaders, I was seeing how the team energy is down,” James said. “Picking it back up, attacking hard and doing what coach Moore said. And it starts with me.”

Even with James’ high-powered second-half performance, the Wolfpack couldn’t find any offensive consistency, shooting 38% from the field and making just seven of its 28 3-point attempts. No matter who shot the ball, it simply seemed as if there was a lid on the hoop.

“We were zero for 12 in the second quarter and that’s too many,” said head coach Wes Moore. “When you’re shooting zero for 12, we’ve got to do something different. We’ve got to recognize the shot is not dropping, so let’s get to the rim. You can’t just stand out there and play horse when it’s not going in.”

Even through all of the misses, NC State continued to let it fly, desperately hoping to see a make at some point and get a much-needed confidence boost. Nonetheless, like clockwork, shots continued to fall off the rim, continually leaving the door open for the Dukes. Luckily for the Wolfpack, JMU struggled just as much to find that offensive consistency, shooting 27% from the field and making just three of its 24 3-point attempts.

“I can definitely be a part of that,” James said. “Seeing your shot not falling and just keep shooting, you need to be smarter with that. If you don’t see the shot going in, you need to attack more, kick, drive or do anything. Just be smart.”

Injuries continued to rock the Wolfpack as freshman guard Zamareya Jones, who scored a career-high 18 points against Louisville, sustained a thumb injury in practice that forced her to miss Thursday’s matchup. Senior guard Saniya Rivers played through an illness that forced her to the bench multiple times, heavily weakening one of Moore’s most reliable players.

In light of the injuries, freshman Devyn Quigley stepped up, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter to stave off any chance at a JMU comeback. Quigley recorded two of the Wolfpack’s seven made 3-pointers, playing more like a seasoned veteran than a freshman.

Though sophomore center Mallory Collier began the game in the starting lineup, Moore gave freshman forward Tilda Trygger the most minutes at the center spot. Though Trygger shot the ball just three times, the 6-foot-6 forward scored four points and grabbed seven rebounds.

“[Moore] talked to me a lot,” Trygger said. “He wants me to be a dog on the court and I’m working on that. You just have to stop thinking and go for it, whether it’s rebounds or attacking, just be aggressive.”

As she continues to navigate collegiate basketball, Trygger acknowledged she needs to work on her aggressiveness and confidence as her 6-foot-6 frame can add a much-needed size mismatch to the Wolfpack’s offense.

“She’s improved a lot,” James said. “I feel like she’s comfortable. She gets a lot of rebounds and is more aggressive. She’s going to progress a lot and the sky is the limit for her.”

After the holiday break, NC State begins its conference schedule with a home matchup against Clemson on Dec. 29. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.