RALEIGH, N.C. — Zoe Brooks exhibited remarkable composure and confidence during a high-stakes game against the top-ranked Notre Dame team. The sophomore guard from N.C. State embraced the challenge and shined, scoring a personal best of 33 points as her team triumphed over the Fighting Irish, 104-95, in a thrilling double overtime contest on Sunday. This victory marked a significant occasion, as N.C. State was ranked 13th and showcased a dynamic performance worthy of national attention.
Standing at 5-foot-10, Brooks had been averaging 13.5 points prior to this game, with her highest previous score being 21. However, in this intense matchup featuring a formidable backcourt, she exceeded expectations. Brooks effectively penetrated Notre Dame’s defense, relentlessly attacking the paint and frequently drawing fouls, all while gracefully managing 47-and-a-half minutes on the court.
The atmosphere prior to the game was vibrant, with the Wolfpack players treating devoted fans to doughnuts while they waited outside for hours to enter. N.C. State had the benefit of an ESPN “College GameDay” feature, which added to the game’s intensity and excitement. By the end of the match, Brooks was celebrating joyously with her teammates on the court in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Reynolds Coliseum, commemorating not just the victory but also the team’s collective effort.
N.C. State’s win ended Notre Dame’s impressive 19-game winning streak and denied the Irish an outright Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title. This victory also marked N.C. State’s first success at home against a top-ranked team since 1978. With this win, the Wolfpack still holds a chance to vie for at least a share of the conference title.
“It’s incredible,” Brooks reflected. “Everyone is exhausted, and we’re all dealing with injuries, but we pushed through. We were determined to win and gave everything we had to secure this victory.”
Brooks showcased her shooting skills by connecting on 9 out of 20 shots and maintaining a perfect record at the free-throw line, hitting all 14 of her attempts. She not only demonstrated her scoring ability but also drew the most fouls in the game at eight against her opponents. This approach included fearless drives against Hannah Hidalgo, an All-American and one of the leading scorers in the nation, with whom Brooks was familiar from their teenage years.
Brooks’ tenacity was evident when she faced off against taller defenders, even after having her shot blocked by 6-foot Liatu King. She quickly followed up to grab the rebound and earned a foul, hitting two free throws that gave N.C. State an 80-77 advantage with less than 23 seconds remaining in regulation. The game was characterized by extreme competition, featuring 21 ties and lead changes, but eventually, N.C. State managed to take control in the closing minutes.
Notre Dame’s coach commended Brooks, noting that her individual visits to the free-throw line outnumbered the entire team’s attempts for the Irish. “She showed incredible skill in driving towards the basket and played with immense confidence. It was undoubtedly her night,” he stated.
Brooks arrived at N.C. State with an impressive background, being a McDonald’s All-American and a top-10 national recruit. However, until this point, she had only reached the 20-point threshold a couple of times throughout her college career. Although other star players like James and Rivers often took center stage, Brooks’s performance hints at the potential for even greater contributions moving forward.
On the day of the match, James added 20 points, including a spectacular layup in transition, displaying her impressive skill level. Meanwhile, Rivers nearly achieved a triple-double, contributing 14 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, alongside two steals and three blocks, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Wolfpack roster.
Brooks’s shining performance adds another layer of competitiveness to N.C. State’s lineup, proving they can stand toe-to-toe with elite programs like Notre Dame. “The Irish deserve all their accolades, but I’m proud of our talented players too,” said Wolfpack coach Wes Moore, remarking on his team’s promising capability to compete against the best in college basketball.
