Aziaha James’ career-day helps Wolfpack dominate Duke

RALEIGH, N.C. – Guard Aziaha James racked up a career-high 33 points to lead the North Carolina State Wolfpack to a 72-57 victory against the Duke Blue Devils in Reynolds Coliseum.

The crowd roared as the game started off fast and physical. Duke utilized Kennedy Brown more against River Baldwin due to her ankle injury. 

NC State went on an 11-0 run to extend its lead to 10 closing in on the first quarter. The Pack put up three three-pointers in the first quarter, two posted by Aziaha James. 

As the game transitioned into the second quarter, fouls were called left and right against both teams. Much like the first, the second quarter started off fast paced.  

Duke went on a 6-0 run to cut its deficit to 19-24 with 7:04 remaining in the half. 

NC State extended its lead with a 14-4 run to close out the first half, 38-23. 

The Pack came out of halftime being the more dominant team and played better overall. They managed to turnover the ball less compared to the first half.  

Calls were not going in favor of NC State, accounting for 16 fouls throughout the game. 

NC State needed to do better with shot selection. The Pack had missed multiple points and opportunities. However, the Pack went on multiple runs and forced multiple droughts for the Blue Devils.  

Moving forward, NC State needs to box out on defense to refrain from giving opponents second-chance points.  

” It starts with practice. And of course, our mental and just the way we prep, and the way we watch film,” said Mimi Collins on preparation and approach for upcoming games.