RALEIGH, N.C. — The NC State women's basketball team pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season on Sunday by defeating the top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 104-95, during a thrilling double overtime showdown at Reynolds Coliseum.
This victory marked the first time NC State has beaten an AP No. 1-ranked team since 1978, snapping Notre Dame's impressive 19-game win streak, which included 14 consecutive victories this season through the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) schedule.
The match was characterized by its intensity and competitiveness, featuring 21 ties and 21 lead changes over the course of the 50 minutes. NC State's Zoe Brooks led the Wolfpack with a career-high 33 points and 10 rebounds, going 14 for 14 from the free-throw line. Teammates also made significant contributions, as Aziaha James added 20 points, and Tilda Trygger chipped in with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Notre Dame's performance was highlighted by Hannah Hidalgo, who led the Irish with 26 points, and Sonia Citron, who not only scored 23 points but hit the clutch 3-pointer at the end of regulation to force overtime.
The game got off to a frenetic pace, with NC State initially establishing a 12-5 lead. The Irish managed to recover and took their first lead on a fast break three-pointer by Hidalgo midway through the second quarter. After changing leads multiple times, the Wolfpack held the momentum going to halftime, entering the break with a 40-36 advantage.
Notre Dame climbed back, and after trailing for most of the third quarter, managed to go up 58-57 going to the final period. A series of scoring runs kept both teams battling closely, but it was Citron's buzzer-beater three-pointer, over James, with just 0.6 seconds left on the clock, which tied the game at 84-all, forcing the first overtime.
The first overtime was evenly matched, with both squads scoring eight points apiece. Key moments came from both sides, including Citron’s touch from the field and Brooks’ ability to draw fouls. They entered the second overtime deadlocked at 92.
NC State seized control during the second extra period, scoring the first six points and taking a 98-92 lead, which forced Notre Dame to call for time at 2:50 remaining. Amidst increasing intensity, Hidalgo and Miles both fouled out within the final moments of play, reducing the Irish to fewer scoring options. Despite Olivia Miles hitting a three-pointer to cut the lead to 98-95, Brooks sealed the victory with two free throws, leaving the final score at 104-95.
After the game, NC State head coach Wes Moore expressed pride in his team's resilience, saying, "We knew we were capable of this. The girls showed great heart and tenacity today, and it's moments like this when hard work truly pays off."
This loss puts Notre Dame, now 24-3 overall and 15-1 within the ACC, on the back foot as they approach their next games against Florida State and Louisville. Meanwhile, NC State improves to 22-5 and 14-2 in league play, as they eye their next matchup against Wake Forest.
This incredible match not only showcased the skills and determination of both teams, but also highlighted the competitiveness of women's college basketball, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season.