Well, that whole suspense business was unnecessary. After controlling the game for a large stretch, leading by more than 20 points in the second half, and taking a 17-point lead into the fourth quarter, NC State appeared headed to a runaway win.
Then State got sloppy, and over the course of a five-minute scoring drought, Ole Miss trimmed that lead substantially. Aziaha James connected on a huge three pointer late to push the Pack’s advantage to five points and ultimately get the team home with a victory.
NC State turned the ball over seven times in the fourth quarter and shot just 4-14 from the field to let the Rebels back in the door. It was a good shooting night overall, and State also mostly controlled the boards, but turnovers and 10-20 shooting at the free throw line allowed this one to become much closer than it should’ve. But no harm done.
Zoe Brooks led all scorers with 19 points, and shot 7-11 inside the arc, which helped offset a tough night from James. Zamareya Jones was 4-4 from three on the way to 14 points, in just 16 minutes.
No doubt we’d feel better about this bounce-back win if the fourth quarter had gone like the prior three, but it’s a quality result against an opponent that will be in the NCAA tournament, and State needed it.