Wolfpack fends off Rhode Island’s upset bid, 67-58

NC State had to overcome a slow start Sunday that saw the Wolfpack fall behind Rhode Island by 10 points, 23-13, early in the second quarter. But State managed to close that gap to four by halftime, and picked up its offense in the second half.

State shot just 11-29 (37.9%) from two during the first half, and did not make a three-pointer. In the second half, State shot 12-21 (57.1%) inside the arc and finally connected on a couple threes, though not until the fourth quarter. That final quarter saw the Pack shoot 8-11 overall, including a clutch corner three from Aziaha James that made it 62-58 with less than three minutes to play. A Saniya Rivers three-point play with 30 seconds to go put the Pack up seven and secured the victory.

Rivers, who played all 40 minutes, scored 19 points on 8-14 shooting, with seven assists, six steals, and five boards. Aziaha James added 17, Mimi Collins had a 10-point, 11-board double-double, and Zoe Brooks scored 10 points to go with four assists.