NC State Stuns No. 1 Notre Dame in Double Overtime Thriller: Impact on NCAA Seeds and Rankings
NC State's thrilling double-overtime victory over No. 1 Notre Dame shakes up NCAA seeds and rankings, with implications for March Madness.
A Historic Upset in NCAAW
NC State pulled off a stunning upset against No. 1 Notre Dame, defeating the Irish 104-95 in double overtime. This victory not only snapped Notre Dame's 19-game winning streak but also significantly impacted the NCAA seeds and rankings. The Wolfpack's guard trio—Zoe Brooks, Aziaha James, and Saniya Rivers—were instrumental in the win, contributing to 93 of the team's 104 points.
Key Performances from Both Teams
- NC State's Guards: Brooks led the charge with 33 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her efficiency by shooting 14-of-14 from the free-throw line. James and Rivers added 20 and 14 points, respectively, with Rivers also dishing out 9 assists.
- Notre Dame's Guards: Despite the loss, Sonia Citron, Hannah Hidalgo, and Olivia Miles combined for 77 points. However, Hidalgo, a national player of the year candidate, was held scoreless in both overtime periods and fouled out late in the game.
Impact on NCAA Rankings and Bracketology
- NC State's Rise: The Wolfpack's victory catapulted them to a No. 2 seed in NCAA Bracketology, moving them from the 10th overall spot to the 8th.
- Notre Dame's Status: Notre Dame, despite the loss, remains a No. 1 seed but could be more vulnerable heading into the ACC tournament.
Broader Implications for March Madness
This game highlights the competitive nature of women's college basketball, with multiple teams vying for the top spot. Texas, currently ranked No. 2, is poised to take over the No. 1 ranking after Notre Dame's loss. The ACC tournament will be crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their positions heading into March Madness.
Looking Ahead
- NC State: The Wolfpack host Wake Forest and travel to SMU in their final regular-season games.
- Notre Dame: The Irish finish their regular season with home games against Florida State and Louisville.
Tags
- NCAAW: The focus on women's college basketball.
- Basketball Upset: The dramatic nature of NC State's victory.
- March Madness: The upcoming NCAA tournament.
- Player Performance: Highlighting key players from both teams.
- College Sports: The broader context of collegiate athletics.
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