#22 NC State Defeats Clemson 83-79 Via a 4th Quarter Comeback

The 22nd ranked NC State Women’s Basketball team defeated Clemson 83-79 in a back-and-forth game in Reynolds Coliseum today, improving to 10-3 on the year, and 2-0 in ACC play.

The Wolfpack led for 15:38 minutes, and the Tigers led for 14:06 minutes. There were 13 lead changes, and the game was tied 10 times.

NC State trailed by 1 at the half, and Clemson led by as much as 8 points in the 3rd Quarter. The Tigers held the lead until the 1:05 mark in the 3rd Quarter, when the Wolfpack tied the game on a layup by Senior Guard Saniya Rivers, who made another layup with 3 seconds left in the Quarter give the ladies in Red and White a 2-point lead heading into the 4th Quarter.

After the Tigers sunk a three to take a 1-point lead with 9:28 in the game, NC State Senior Guard Madison Hayes sunk a three of her own, giving the Pack a 2-point lead. NC State wouldn’t trail again for the rest of the game, leading by as much as 12 points.

The Wolfpack had a hard time overcoming the Tigers’ blistering three-point percentage. Clemson made 15 from beyond the arc, connecting on 48.4% of their three’s. NC State only hit 7 three’s, making 29.2% from deep.

The way NC State was able to overcome losing the three-point battle, was through picking up free points at the charity stripe, points off turnovers, and 2nd chance points via offensive boards.

The Wolfpack made 18 free throws on 27 attempts, while the Tigers made 8 of 10. NC State scored 7 more points off of turnovers, and 6 more 2nd chance points.

Hayes had a season-high 19 points and a team high 9 rebounds. She made 3 of 6 from three, and hit 8 of 10 from the free throw line.

Sophomore Guard Zoe Brooks had 18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists (1 TO), 3 steals and 2 blocks. She led the team in assists and steals, and tied for the team lead in blocks.

Senior Guard Aziaha James had 15 points (50% from the field), 7 boards and 4 assists.

Senior Guard Saniya Rivers had 14 points, (50% from the field), 3 boards and 3 assists.

Freshman Tilda Trygger got her first start of her collegiate career, stepping in at the 5 spot.