In Raleigh, N.C., Zoe Brooks played a pivotal role for N.C. State, scoring 19 points to help secure a 75-55 victory over Vermont in the opening round of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James each contributed 15 points for the Wolfpack, who hold the second seed and were participants in last year’s Final Four.
N.C. State’s record now stands at 27-6, continuing their impressive streak by winning 19 consecutive home NCAA tournament games. They are set to face either Harvard or Michigan State in the upcoming second round scheduled for Monday.
For No. 15 seed Vermont, Keira Hanson emerged from the bench to lead with 21 points while Catherine Gilwee and Nikola Priede added 13 and 11 points respectively. The Catamounts temporarily seized a 27-24 lead in the second quarter, thanks to Hanson’s three-pointer. However, N.C. State finished the half strong, edging ahead 35-33.
The Wolfpack demonstrated their dominance by pulling away in the later stages, particularly excelling in the fourth quarter where they outpaced Vermont 23-9.
Key Takeaways:
Vermont has been recognized for its robust defense this season, yet this marks the first instance since November where they have conceded more than 70 points in a game.
N.C. State: Following their stint in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament where they succumbed to Duke, this matchup concluded their nearly two-week game hiatus.
Looking Ahead:
N.C. State will enjoy home-court advantage once again in the round of 32, marking it the second consecutive year they’ve achieved this.
