Stanford Falls to No. 21 NC State, 81-67, Despite Strong Start
STANFORD, Calif. — Despite a promising start and a valiant fourth-quarter effort, Stanford fell 81-67 to No. 21 NC State on Sunday at Maples Pavilion. A dominant performance by the Wolfpack’s backcourt, particularly in the decisive second and third quarters, proved too much for the Cardinal to overcome.
Stanford head coach Kate Paye praised NC State’s talent while reflecting on her team’s performance. “They’re a very good team. Their guards are exceptional. Those are future pros. No doubt. It’s not like we are surprised by that. Obviously, we played them last year,” Paye said, referencing last season’s Sweet 16 matchup.
A Strong Start for Stanford
The Cardinal opened the game with energy and precision, jumping to an 18-12 lead after the first quarter. Freshman Chloe Clardy and sophomore Shay Ijiwoye hit early three-pointers, while Nunu Agara anchored the defense with key rebounds. “We got off to a great start, which is a positive. That’s been something that’s been a challenge for us, maybe earlier in the season. I like the way that we got going,” Paye noted.
However, the momentum shifted late in the second quarter. NC State’s guards, led by Saniya Rivers and Madison Hayes, began finding their rhythm, allowing the Wolfpack to take a 34-28 lead into halftime. “They made a run kind of towards the end of the second quarter,” Paye explained.
Second-Half Surge by NC State
The third quarter was decisive, as NC State outscored Stanford 34-15. Aziaha James, who was scoreless in the first half, exploded for 10 points in the third period, and Zoe Brooks added 12 points, including two three-pointers. The Wolfpack shot 65% from the field in the quarter and capitalized on Stanford’s turnovers, scoring 11 points off Cardinal miscues.
“We tried a lot of different things to try to contain their guards,” Paye said. “We went zone a little bit…we were trying to switch, you know, really just kind of felt like nothing was really working. And again, they are exceptional guards. They’re athletic, they’re skilled. So we’re just gonna have to double down and work harder.”
Stanford fought back in the fourth quarter, outscoring NC State 24-13, but the deficit was too large to overcome. Clardy led the Cardinal with 17 points, while Agara recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
What’s Next?
Stanford (9-7, 1-4 ACC) will now hit the road for two tough conference matchups. The Cardinal face Wake Forest on Thursday, January 16, at 6 p.m. ET on ACCNX, before traveling to Duke on Sunday, January 19, for a nationally televised game on ESPN/ESPN2 at 1 p.m. ET.
NC State (12-4, 4-1 ACC) returns home for two ACC matchups. The Wolfpack host Pitt on Thursday, January 16, at 7 p.m. ET on ACCNX, followed by a game against Virginia on Sunday, January 19, at 2 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast on The CW.
Both teams face critical stretches that could shape their ACC campaigns as the season intensifies.
