NC State’s Aziaha James shines as a prolific scorer, particularly excelling in games against Duke.

DURHAM, N.C. — N.C. State’s Aziaha James showcased her scoring prowess once more in a thrilling rivalry game against Duke, emphasizing her tenacity on the court.


There is no need for complex evaluations of strategies or playing styles; James’ sentiment reflects a straightforward rivalry with Duke and North Carolina. “Duke and Carolina — them blues, it don’t sit right with me,” she remarked, encapsulating her competitive spirit.


On this occasion, the senior from N.C. State made an extraordinary impact on the game, racking up a personal best of 36 points, leading the 14th-ranked Wolfpack to an 89-83 victory against the 10th-ranked Blue Devils. This performance exceeded her previous record of 33 points she achieved against the same opponent in January 2024 while also at Reynolds Coliseum.


During the match, James shot an impressive 15 out of 19 from the field, which included two successful 3-pointers out of five attempts. Her scoring was particularly impressive in the second half, where she contributed 27 points after the Wolfpack found themselves down by 13 early in the third quarter. The victory marked N.C. State’s seventh consecutive win of the season, elevating their record to 18-4 overall and 10-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Despite struggling at the free-throw line, where she made only 4 of 8 attempts, her aggressive style and willingness to attack the basket were evident.


James’ scoring mentality has not gone unnoticed, and Coach Wes Moore acknowledged her ability to create opportunities on the court, allowing him to take a back seat at times. “She makes things happen, which makes it easy on the ol’ coach when sometimes you can just get out of the way and let them go,” Moore said.


While her previous encounters against Duke last season were less remarkable, where she scored a combined 31 points on 11-for-34 shooting, this game demonstrated her growth and confidence as a player. Notably, James has excelled in home games against Duke, hitting 27 of 39 shots for a remarkable total of 69 points in their two home victories.


“She’s a talented scorer,” remarked Duke’s Coach Kara Lawson. “She makes tough shots, and when she gets going, it’s difficult.”


James was pivotal in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points during that stretch. One of her critical baskets came within the final minute, putting N.C. State ahead by three. After receiving an inbounds pass from Zoe Brooks in the left corner, James cut toward the elbow, executed a screen, and as she drove toward the basket, she made an off-balance left-handed shot that swished through the net, extending the lead to 86-81 with 35.9 seconds to go. This crucial bucket sent the home crowd into a frenzy.


Following this play, Duke could not bring the game closer, solidifying James’s status as a dominant force in this rivalry. “She’s amazing, as you can see,” Brooks chuckled. “She scores the ball in so many ways. You can’t guard her.”


The game was an exciting chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two ACC powerhouses, with James once again proving to be a formidable player and a crowd favorite.