STANFORD, Calif. — In an impressive display, Saniya Rivers contributed significantly to N.C. State’s victory over Stanford, delivering 17 points and securing 11 rebounds. The No. 21 Wolfpack showcased their strength by scoring 34 points in the third quarter, ultimately winning the game 81-67 on a Sunday afternoon.
N.C. State (12-4, 4-1 ACC) went into halftime with a six-point advantage and continued their momentum in the second half, shooting an impressive 65% during the third quarter. This included a remarkable 9-0 run capped by a five-for-six shooting streak which propelled them to a commanding 68-43 lead going into the final period. The Wolfpack maintained their offensive prowess at the start of the fourth quarter, successfully converting five out of six attempts, extending their lead to 79-57. However, they struggled to maintain this energy, hitting only one shot for the remainder of the game, finishing the second half with a 53% shooting percentage, and 47% overall.
Five of N.C. State’s starters reached double figures in scoring, with Aziaha James contributing 15 points, Zoe Brooks adding 14 points, Madison Hayes chipping in 11 points, and Tilda Trygger scoring 10. Stanford’s squad featured notable performances as well, with Chloe Clardy leading with 17 points, Nunu Agara posting a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Elena Bosgana also scoring 14 points.
The game saw a dynamic shift in momentum when Tess Heal’s three-point play in the dying moments of the first quarter briefly gave Stanford an 18-12 lead. However, N.C. State quickly rallied, finishing the second quarter strong. With key contributions from Steele, who hit two 3-pointers, and Rivers, the Wolfpack completed a pivotal 9-0 run that allowed them to take a 34-26 lead just 45 seconds before the halftime buzzer. Bosgana managed to hit a shot as time expired, making it 34-28 at the conclusion of the half.
Following this contest, both teams are set to travel from the Bay Area to the East Coast in the coming week, with N.C. State preparing to host Pitt on Thursday while Stanford will make their way to face Wake Forest.
