Aziaha James has done it again. After scoring 29 points to lead a stunning upset victory over Stanford in the Sweet 16, the NC State guard went off for 27 to help down No. 1 seed Texas, 76-66, in the Elite Eight on Sunday. It’s been a rapid rise to stardom for James, who’s exceeded her season scoring average of 16 points in every game of the NCAA Women’s Tournament thus far.
The 3-point line is where James did most of her damage Sunday. James knocked down seven of her nine attempts from deep, setting a program tournament record and a career high in 3-point makes. It was a gutsy performance from James, who played all 40 minutes while leading her team in scoring and rebounding (six).
“It’s just like a coming-out party,” NC State coach Wes Moore said of James’ recent hot shooting. “I think right now probably the goal looks a little bigger and obviously we’re going to her.”
This victory sends NC State to the Final Four for the second time in program history. The other came in 1998, when the Wolfpack lost 84-65 to Louisiana Tech. To reach their first NCAA championship game, the Wolfpack must get through top-seeded South Carolina, who beat Oregon State in Sunday’s first Elite Eight game.
It wasn’t just…
