Aziaha James, No. 3 NC State top No. 15 Louisville

Field Level Media|published: Mon 5th February, 21:34 2024

Mar 5, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A view of an adidas game ball on the floor during the second half between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Northwestern Wildcats at Jersey Mike's Arena. credits: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Aziaha James poured in 28 points for No. 3 North Carolina State, which pulled away in the second quarter for a 77-67 win over No. 15 Louisville on Monday in Raleigh, N.C.

The Wolfpack (20-2, 8-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) used a 19-8 second period to create some separation and led comfortably during the second half, but the Cardinals (19-4, 8-2) began the fourth quarter with a 6-2 run to get within 61-55 with 5:55 to go.

NC State responded with a jumper from James and a 3-pointer by Madison Hayes to push the gap back to 11 points.

A 3-pointer by Jayda Curry again got the visitors within six points with 41 seconds remaining. The Wolfpack sank four free throws in the remaining moments to seal the win.

Hayes finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and River Baldwin added 10 points for NC State, which earned its fifth win in a row.

Olivia Cochran topped Louisville with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Kiki Jefferson scored 16 points, and Curry had 12.

—Field Level Media