Aziaha James led NC State to a thrilling comeback victory against Stanford in the Sweet 16, securing their second Elite Eight appearance in the last three seasons. Despite trailing by 10 points at halftime, James exploded for 25 second-half points to rally the Wolfpack to a 77-67 win. The standout performance from James almost outscored Stanford in the final two quarters and marked the end of Cameron Brink’s collegiate career. Stanford, who held a double-digit lead at halftime, struggled in the second half as NC State’s defense shut them down.
In the third quarter, NC State made a strong push with a 16-6 run to begin the half and then followed it up with a 13-2 burst to take the lead. The Wolfpack limited Stanford to just 10 points in the third quarter, setting the stage for their eventual victory. Saniya Rivers contributed a crucial layup at the buzzer to give NC State an eight-point lead heading into the final period. Aziaha James and Zoe Brooks continued to shine in the fourth quarter, extending the Wolfpack’s lead after Cameron Brink fouled out early in the period. With Brink out of the game, NC State managed to maintain their advantage and secure the 10-point win.
Kiki Iriafen led Stanford with 26 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort, while Hannah Jump added 13 points. The Cardinal struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-of-25 as a team, and committed 14 turnovers. Despite their double-digit halftime lead, Stanford was unable to withstand the second-half surge from NC State, ending their tournament run. Stanford barely advanced to the Sweet 16 after a close victory over Iowa State in the previous round and now shifts their focus to the WNBA Draft, where Cameron Brink is expected to be a top pick.
Aziaha James showcased her scoring prowess with 29 points, five assists, and three rebounds in the win for NC State. Rivers contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, while Brooks added 12 points off the bench. The Wolfpack overcame Tennessee in the second round to reach the Sweet 16 and will face either Gonzaga or top-seeded Texas in the Elite Eight. A victory in that game would propel NC State to their first Final Four appearance since 1998. Notably, the NC State men also secured an Elite Eight berth, marking the first time both men’s and women’s teams have reached that stage simultaneously.
NC State’s impressive performance in the Sweet 16 was fueled by Aziaha James’ scoring outburst in the second half, carrying them to a comeback win over Stanford. The Wolfpack’s resilience and strong second-half showing propelled them to the Elite Eight, where they have a chance to make history with a Final Four appearance. With key contributions from Rivers and Brooks, NC State is poised for a deep tournament run as they face tough competition in the upcoming rounds. The Wolfpack’s success on the court has brought excitement to the school’s basketball programs, with both men’s and women’s teams making significant playoff runs. As they prepare for their Elite Eight matchup, NC State aims to continue their postseason journey and potentially secure a spot in the Final Four.
