RALEIGH, N.C. — Madison Hayes delivered an impressive performance with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Aziaha James added another 20 points, as No. 21 N.C. State edged Virginia 73-68 on Sunday. This victory marked the Wolfpack’s impressive 16th consecutive win at home.
The game was tightly contested, with Virginia’s maximum lead being five points, while N.C. State held a three-point advantage at one point. As the fourth quarter unfolded, the teams experienced six ties and six lead changes, culminating in Hayes’ decisive layup that put N.C. State ahead 69-68 with just over a minute left on the clock.
Following a turnover by the Cavaliers on the next possession, Hayes had a chance to extend the lead but missed a layup with 12 seconds remaining. However, she recovered her own missed shot, drawing a foul that sent James to the line, where she successfully converted two free throws. Virginia attempted to regain their footing with two timeouts, but Hayes intercepted the ball shortly after, was fouled, and also added two more free throws to finalize the score.
In addition to Hayes and James’ contributions, Zoe Brooks played a vital role for N.C. State (14-4, 6-1 ACC), scoring 14 points and dishing out seven assists, while Tylda Trygger pulled down 13 rebounds and scored nine points.
Virginia (11-8, 3-4 ACC) was led by Latasha Lattimore with 21 points, while Kymora Johnson contributed 19 points, and Paris Clark added 12 points.
The Cavaliers surged ahead 39-34 in the early moments of the third quarter, but Brooks quickly countered with a three-point trip to the free-throw line, followed by a three-point play and a successful 3-pointer to tie the game at 45. As the third quarter came to a close, Lattimore sank a 3-pointer, allowing Virginia to take a slim lead, but Hayes answered back with a 3-pointer of her own, and N.C. State ended the quarter up 54-52.
After a fiercely competitive first half that concluded with Virginia leading 35-34, N.C. State will look to continue their strong performance as they head into their next match against Syracuse, while Virginia prepares for their upcoming challenge against No. 17 Georgia Tech on Thursday.
