In a highly anticipated matchup between two top-ranked teams, Saniya Rivers delivered a stellar performance to lead the No. 12 North Carolina State Wolfpack to a thrilling 75-71 overtime victory over the No. 17 Syracuse Orange.
Rivers, the standout guard for NC State, showcased her talent and resilience throughout the game, finishing with a game-high 22 points. Her clutch performance included hitting the clinching free throws with just 10.9 seconds left in overtime, securing the crucial win for the Wolfpack.
The victory not only propelled NC State to an impressive 24-5 record but also positioned them for a shot at the No. 2 seed in the upcoming ACC tournament. The win handed Virginia Tech the outright title, while Syracuse, despite the loss, secured a top-four seed in the tournament, guaranteeing them a double-bye.
Joining Rivers in the scoring effort was Mimi Collins, who contributed 15 points for the Wolfpack, and River Baldwin, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing NC State’s depth and versatility on the court.
On the opposing side, Dyaisha Fair led the charge for Syracuse with 21 points, while Georgia Woolley and Izabel Varejao each added 14 points. Despite their valiant efforts, the Orange fell short in overtime, extending their losing streak against NC State to eight games.
The game was filled with momentum swings and dramatic moments, with Syracuse forcing overtime with clutch free throws in the final seconds of regulation. However, NC State seized control in overtime, with Aziaha James’ layup giving them the lead for good.
NC State’s resilience was on full display throughout the game, as they fought back from deficits and executed crucial plays down the stretch. Rivers’ leadership and composure in high-pressure situations were instrumental in guiding the Wolfpack to victory.
With the regular season now concluded, both teams will turn their attention to the upcoming ACC tournament, where they will look to make a deep run and compete for the conference championship. The thrilling showdown between NC State and Syracuse served as a testament to the competitiveness and excitement of women’s college basketball, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer sounded.
