ATLANTA — In an impressive display of skill, Aziaha James and Zoe Brooks each contributed 17 points as No. 13 North Carolina State triumphed over No. 20 Georgia Tech with a score of 83-68 on Thursday evening.

Saniya Rivers provided significant support, adding 16 points, while Madison Hayes contributed 14 points for N.C. State (21-5, 13-2 Atlantic Coast Conference). This victory came as a much-needed bounce-back after suffering a narrow 66-65 defeat against No. 12 North Carolina on Sunday, which had ended their nine-game winning streak.

In the third quarter, Hayes played a pivotal role, sinking two three-pointers and scoring eight points as the Wolfpack outpaced the Yellow Jackets 24-17. Hayes opened the fourth quarter with another three-pointer, extending their lead to 69-53. Although Georgia Tech managed an 8-0 run to narrow the gap to 71-63 with 7:16 remaining, they were unable to close in any further.

James had a strong first half, scoring 15 points, while Hayes excelled in the second half with 11 points, with both players combining for seven of the eight three-pointers recorded by the Wolfpack.

Leading Georgia Tech (21-6, 9-6) were Tonie Morgan with 17 points and Dani Carnegie, who added 16 points. Kara Dunn contributed 11 points, and Kayla Blackshear notched 10 points along with nine rebounds.

With this victory, the Wolfpack have now won nine out of their last eleven matchups against Georgia Tech and secured their first win in Atlanta since a 84-75 match on December 31, 2020.

N.C. State, boasting a formidable 19-game home winning streak, is set to host the top-ranked Notre Dame this coming Sunday.

Meanwhile, Georgia Tech will face Florida State on Sunday as they prepare for their final regular-season game at home.