Raleigh, NC – In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, the NC State women’s basketball team overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 89-83 on Monday night. Head coach Wes Moore praised his team’s determination and adaptability, especially in the face of one of the nation’s toughest defenses. The game also held special significance as it was dedicated to cancer awareness, honoring the legacy of former NC State coach Kay Yow.
A Game of Resilience
The evening began with a sense of tension in Reynolds Coliseum, where fans rallied behind the Wolfpack. Duke’s tenacious defense and rebounding prowess initially put NC State on the back foot, as they found themselves down by 11 points at halftime. However, the second half saw a remarkable turnaround, highlighted by a career-high 36 points from Aziaha James.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our team,” Coach Moore said during the post-game press conference. “We got hit in the mouth down 11 at halftime and just kept fighting back.” His respect for Duke’s program was evident, as he noted their strong defensive capabilities and the legacy of Coach Carol Lawson, comparing her work to that of the legendary Pat Summitt.
The Importance of the Game
The matchup against Duke was not just another game on the schedule; it was part of the “Play for Kay” initiative, which aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Coach Moore emphasized the emotional weight of the evening, stating, “It takes it to another level here. Kay Yow and Jim Valvano, two former NC State coaches are probably doing more for cancer research and treatment, finding a cure than anybody and we can all be proud of that.”
The atmosphere was electric, with numerous cancer survivors in attendance, reminding the players of the greater cause behind their efforts on the court. Moore acknowledged the significance of the event, expressing gratitude for the support from fans and the community.
Key Performances
Aziaha James’s stellar performance was the highlight of the night. Despite a rocky start that included three turnovers in the first half, she found her rhythm after halftime. “Sometimes you just got to get out of the way and let her go,” Coach Moore remarked, praising her ability to take over games during critical moments.
In addition to Aziaha, other players stepped up to contribute to the victory. The team scored an impressive 36 fast-break points, showcasing their speed and offensive strategy. “We knew we were going to have to score against a very tough defensive team,” Moore explained, acknowledging the need for a balanced approach to both offense and defense.
Turning Points in the Game
The first quarter saw NC State shooting an impressive 71% from the field, while Duke struggled at just 35%. However, the second quarter flipped dramatically as Duke capitalized on turnovers and offensive rebounds, outscoring NC State significantly. Coach Moore reflected on this shift, humorously noting, “I let my assistants coach the second quarter,” indicating a need for adjustments as the game progressed.
Despite the challenges, the Wolfpack maintained their composure, rallying back in the second half. The team’s ability to limit turnovers, particularly in the second half where they only committed three, was crucial in maintaining their scoring momentum.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, NC State begins a challenging stretch of games, facing five ranked opponents in six outings, including two top-10 teams at home. Coach Moore acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming schedule but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. “We still got a whole lot of speed bumps ahead of us,” he cautioned, but added, “This is obviously a big win tonight.”
Watch press conference on YouTube – NC State women’s basketball coach Wes Moore press conference after win over Duke – 1.3.25
Wes Moore praises NC State’s resilience and Aiah Zaza’s stellar performance in victory over Duke at press conference.
00:03 Coach Wes Moore praises team’s resilience and Zazza’s performance after Duke win.
- Moore acknowledges Duke’s defensive strength and coaching legacy, highlighting respect for their program.
- Despite giving up 83 points, the team fought back from an 11-point halftime deficit, showcasing their determination.
01:26 Coach Moore highlights the significance of the Play4Kay game.
- The game holds special meaning due to its dedication to cancer survivors and the legacy of former NC State coaches.
- Coach Moore acknowledges the impact that the fans have on the team, especially during important games.
02:44 NC State’s impressive win over Duke showcased fast breaks and strong scoring despite tough defense.
- The team scored 36 fast break points, demonstrating improved transition play compared to previous games.
- Aiah scored 36 points individually, contributing significantly to overcoming Duke’s historically strong defense.
03:53 Coach Wes Moore discusses challenges and resilience after the win over Duke.
- Moore reflects on past struggles and acknowledges the difficulties of upcoming ranked road games.
- Despite a tough first half, the team showed resilience, showcasing contributions from newer players.
05:13 Wes Moore discusses team performance and focus on rebounds and turnovers.
- Moore emphasizes the need for improved defensive rebounding and limiting opponents’ three-pointers, acknowledging difficulties.
- He highlights a significant reduction in turnovers after halftime, attributing it to team discussions on performance adjustments.
06:27 Defense and turnover management were crucial in the second half win.
- The team was outscored in key areas by 14 points at halftime but improved significantly in the second half.
- Lena’s late performance was pivotal, but she needs to demonstrate consistent preparation to earn more playing time.
07:33 Coach Moore reflects on team performance and resilience during the game against Duke.
- The team executed effective offensive strategies, particularly in the second half, highlighting improved ball movement.
- Coach Moore addressed a challenging second quarter, noting communication issues and the need for turnovers to be minimized.
08:44 Coach Wes Moore praises player resilience and discusses Leonard Hamilton’s retirement.
- Moore highlights the player’s growth and confidence despite early challenges in the game, emphasizing her improvement after halftime.
- He reflects on Leonard Hamilton’s long career, acknowledging the challenges faced and expressing admiration for Hamilton’s enduring vitality.