Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James led a 14-2 run in the last 4:14 to secure a 67-56 victory for No. 14 NC State over Rhode Island on Sunday.
The Rams were in the lead for most of the game, but Rivers and James combined for 12 points in the final minutes, propelling NC State to the win. Zoe Brooks also contributed with a crucial layup during the run. Rhode Island struggled to score, only making 1 of 9 shots after Maye Toure’s basket.
Toure led the Rams with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Teisha Hyman added 12 points and nine boards.
NC State was unranked in the preseason, but after defeating UConn, they quickly ascended into the Top 25.
Rhode Island had a 10-point lead in the second quarter, and the score was 30-26 at halftime. However, Sophie Phillips’ 3-pointers kept the Rams ahead, with a score of 48-46 at the end of the third quarter.
Rivers and James led NC State to take the lead at 57-56 with 3:38 left to play. With key plays and free throws, they maintained the lead until the end of the game, securing the win.
Rhode Island struggled with their outside shooting, making only 4 of 17 attempts behind the arc and scoring only two free throws, while NC State capitalized on their free throws by making 15 of 18.
NC State’s next game is against Kentucky in the Virgin Islands on Thursday.
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