Notre Dame Upset by NC State in Double OT Thriller

The sports world was set ablaze on Sunday as No. 13 NC State delivered a stunning upset against top-ranked Notre Dame in a double-overtime thriller.

This game not only snapped Notre Dame’s impressive 19-game winning streak but also marked NC State’s first victory over a No. 1 team since 2021.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring 21 lead changes and multiple heroic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Thrilling Back-and-Forth Affair

NC State started strong, quickly establishing a 12-5 lead. However, the game was a tight contest throughout, with neither team able to pull away significantly.

The Wolfpack never led by more than six points, and the Fighting Irish never led by more than three.

The intensity of the game was palpable, and it was clear that both teams were giving it their all.

Regulation Drama

As the clock wound down in regulation, it seemed like NC State had the upper hand. Madison Hayes hit two critical free throws with just 4.5 seconds left, putting the Wolfpack up 84-81.

Yet, Notre Dame’s Sonia Citron had other plans. She nailed a heavily contested three-pointer, sending the game into its first overtime and stunning the home crowd at Reynolds Coliseum.

Overtime Excitement

The first overtime was just as thrilling as the regulation period. Notre Dame appeared to be in control after a layup by Citron put them ahead. However, NC State’s Aziaha James responded with a tough pull-up jumper to tie the game at 92.

On the other end, Olivia Miles missed a desperation three-pointer, and although Maddy Westbeld secured the offensive rebound, the officials ruled that the foul occurred after time had expired, pushing the game into a second overtime.

NC State Takes Over

In the second overtime, NC State finally took control. Consecutive buckets from Tilda Trygger and Zoe Brooks set the tone, and James brought the crowd to its feet with a behind-the-back move on a fast break that led to a layup.

Saniya Rivers then extended the lead to eight points with a layup of her own. The Wolfpack eventually stretched their lead to 10 points—the only double-digit lead of the game—before closing out the victory in straightforward fashion.

Key Performances

Zoe Brooks was the star of the game, scoring a career-high 33 points and going a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line.

Aziaha James added 20 points, and all five NC State starters scored in double digits, combining for 99 of the team’s 104 points. This balanced scoring effort was crucial for NC State’s success.

Notre Dame’s Standouts

Despite the loss, Notre Dame had several standout performances. Hannah Hidalgo led the team with 26 points, while Sonia Citron and Olivia Miles contributed 23 and 22 points, respectively.

Their efforts kept Notre Dame in the game and showcased the team’s resilience, even in defeat.

Implications for the ACC

With this win, NC State improved to 22-5 overall and 14-2 in the ACC. Notre Dame, now 24-3 overall and 15-1 in the ACC, still holds a one-game lead over the Wolfpack for the ACC regular-season crown.

However, this loss could impact Notre Dame’s standing in the upcoming AP poll, potentially ending their time atop the rankings.

Looking Ahead

Both teams have two games remaining in the regular season. For NC State, this victory provides a significant boost in confidence as they prepare for the ACC tournament and potentially the NCAA tournament.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, will need to regroup and refocus to maintain their lead in the ACC and secure a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

Final Thoughts

This game will be remembered as one of the most thrilling contests of the season. The back-and-forth nature, clutch performances, and dramatic overtime periods made it a must-watch event.

For NC State, this victory is a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s loss is a reminder that even the best teams can be challenged. It also shows that every game is an opportunity to learn and grow.

To read more about this incredible game, visit the full article on CBS Sports.