An era comes to a close.
Man, was that there for the taking. When Maddie Cox made that three late to put NC State up five, I thought the Wolfpack was going to bring this one home. But give LSU credit for being unmoved and making just a couple more plays in the last couple minutes than the Pack.
It’s a really tough way to see this Pack group of seniors go out, and honestly it’s still difficult to accept that it’s over. That we aren’t going to see Aziaha James or Saniya Rivers or Madison Hayes play another game for NC State.
Another magical second tournament weekend wasn’t in the cards for Aziaha James, unfortunately, and Saniya Rivers had a tough one as well. LSU’s just a tough matchup for State and Aneesah Morrow cooked the Pack for the second time this year. A tip of the cap to her, because she was incredible—not only did she score 30, she had nearly as many offensive boards (nine) as NC State (10). Great player.
LSU’s offensive rebounding was the difference in this game, and as much as you could foresee the potential for just that, it’s one thing to identify the threat and another to go out and stop a talented team from doing it.
But NC State’s offense was quite a bit better this time around, even with the shortcomings on the glass. It was the offense that disappointed, and James being a relative non-factor was tough to overcome. But State nearly managed the feat, thanks to some step-up efforts from both Maddie Cox and Zam Jones off the bench. It was a big moment, their team needed them, and they delivered. Zoe Brooks was very good as well, and she absolutely had to be. A few things go differently and we’re talking about their heroic efforts getting the Pack through to Sunday.
It’s been a great year and I’m not going to put a bow on it here because I can’t find the words in this moment. This team has been so much fun to watch, and I can’t sufficiently thank them for how much easier they made getting through the men’s season. I hate that this ride is over. But we’ll be back.