Led by star guard Aziaha James, the NC State Wolfpack find themselves in a familiar position in 2025: the ACC tournament title game.
NC State Wolfpack Reach 5th ACC Title Game in Six Years Led by Guard Aziaha James
The ACC tournament title game will feature the NC State Wolfpack for the fifth time in six years, a dominant run of excellence from head coach Wes Moore’s team.
The seventh-ranked Wolfpack have compiled a 26-5 overall record, including 16-2 in the ACC, and claimed a share of the regular-season title with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Now, they’ll have a chance to win the tournament as well.
NC State began the tournament by squeaking by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 73-72. Two free throws by star guard Aziaha James with seven seconds left proved to be the difference in staving off a major upset.
In the semifinals, the North Carolina Tar Heels were the opponents. The Wolfpack made easy work of the Tar Heels, holding them to only 55 points on 17 of 61 shooting from the field—an abysmal 27.9%. James led NC State’s offensive attack with a game-high 19 points on five of 14 shooting from the field and eight of eight from the free-throw stripe. She also grabbed nine rebounds, contributing to the cleanup of UNC’s missed shots.
The Wolfpack will await the winner of the Duke Blue Devils and Notre Dame Fighting Irish — with the winner being known in just a few short hours.
Last season, Notre Dame defeated NC State in the ACC title game, 55-51. James was held to only 12 points on five of 16 shooting.
Beyond James, the Wolfpack are deeper this season. Sophomore guard Zoe Brooks is averaging 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game — although she’s only combined for 20 points in the two ACC Tournament games. She’ll need to be on top of her game if they want to have their best chance of beating the Fighting Irish.
Senior guards Saniya Rivers and Madison Hayes both average in double figures this season and have shown the ability to have big games, namely Rivers, who’s had games of 23 and 25 points this season.
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With five ACC title game appearances in six seasons, the Wolfpack have the experience to win the big one. They’ll aim to do so on Sunday afternoon against either the Blue Devils or Fighting Irish, both tough opponents.
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