NC State Women’s Basketball Defeats Notre Dame in Double Overtime: A Historic Victory

In one of the most intense and dramatic college basketball games of the season, the NC State women’s basketball team pulled off an unforgettable victory against the top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a thrilling double-overtime showdown. This monumental win not only shook the foundations of college basketball but also solidified NC State’s position as one of the most formidable forces in women’s college hoops. The game was a testament to resilience, skill, and sheer determination, as the Wolfpack found a way to overcome adversity and defeat a powerhouse team that had been seemingly invincible.

The Build-Up to the Game

Both teams entered the game with high expectations, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Notre Dame, led by Coach Niele Ivey, came into the contest as the number one ranked team in the country, boasting an undefeated record. Their lineup was stacked with talent, including star players like Olivia Miles, who had been making waves in the league for her court vision and leadership.

NC State, under the guidance of head coach Wes Moore, was no stranger to high-stakes games. The Wolfpack had built a reputation for being a scrappy and resilient team, always capable of pulling off surprises, especially when playing in front of a home crowd. The clash between these two top-tier teams promised to be a spectacle, and from the opening tip-off, it was clear that this game would not disappoint.

First Half: A Fast-Paced Affair

The first half of the game was an intense battle of wills. Notre Dame came out strong, showcasing their offensive firepower. Olivia Miles ran the floor with exceptional poise, creating opportunities both for herself and for her teammates. She hit key shots and dished out assist after assist, helping the Irish establish an early lead. With the size advantage and the depth of their roster, Notre Dame looked poised to take control of the game.

However, NC State wasn’t intimidated. The Wolfpack relied on their experienced core of players, including Jakia Brown-Turner and Diamond Johnson, who delivered key baskets and kept the scoreline tight. NC State’s defense, known for its ability to lock down opposing offenses, started to tighten up as the game wore on. Brown-Turner was particularly impressive, hitting several crucial three-pointers and showing leadership in moments when the game threatened to slip away.

By halftime, Notre Dame held a narrow lead, but the Wolfpack had shown that they were not going to back down without a fight. The crowd at the PNC Arena, as loud as ever, knew that the game was far from over.

Second Half: The Battle Intensifies

As the second half unfolded, the intensity of the game ratcheted up even further. Notre Dame’s offense continued to roll, but NC State’s defense, led by the tenacious play of players like Diamond Johnson and Elissa Cunane, began to impose its will. Cunane, the Wolfpack’s star center, was an absolute force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. She grabbed key rebounds, blocked shots, and contributed crucial points that kept NC State within striking distance.

The lead seemed to change hands several times, as both teams answered each other’s runs with resilience. In the final minutes of regulation, NC State found themselves down by a few points but refused to give up. A clutch three-pointer by Brown-Turner and a steal and layup by Johnson gave the Wolfpack a slim one-point lead with only seconds remaining. The crowd was on their feet, but Notre Dame wasn’t done yet.

With just a few seconds left in regulation, Olivia Miles drove the length of the court and managed to get off a contested shot that hit nothing but net. The Irish fans erupted in celebration, but the NC State faithful were left holding their breath. The clock had expired, and Notre Dame had stolen the game — or so it seemed. However, a review of the final play revealed that Miles had traveled, and the basket was ruled no good. The game was heading to overtime.

Overtime 1: The Clutch Moments

Both teams were visibly exhausted, but neither was willing to back down. In overtime, the physical and mental toll of the game began to show, yet the players continued to give everything they had. Notre Dame’s defense clamped down on NC State, but the Wolfpack kept pushing, refusing to let the Irish dictate the tempo.

With only seconds remaining in the first overtime, it appeared that NC State was on the verge of victory. Brown-Turner hit a mid-range jumper to give the Wolfpack a one-point advantage. The crowd went wild, sensing that they were witnessing something special. But Notre Dame still had one more chance.

In the final possession of the first overtime, Miles had an open look at a three-pointer that could have won the game for Notre Dame, but her shot was off the mark. The ball rattled out, and the buzzer sounded, sending the game into a second overtime. The tension was palpable. Neither team could afford a mistake now. Everything was on the line.

Overtime 2: NC State’s Historic Victory

As the second overtime began, both teams were visibly fatigued, but NC State’s determination shone through. The Wolfpack’s defense, led by Cunane in the paint and Johnson’s pesky perimeter defense, stifled Notre Dame’s efforts to score. On the offensive side, the Wolfpack found success through a balanced attack, with Cunane dominating inside and Brown-Turner hitting timely shots. It became clear that NC State had more left in the tank.

With just under a minute remaining in the second overtime, NC State held a slim lead. The Wolfpack’s defense forced Notre Dame into tough shots, and the Irish’s fatigue was evident. NC State executed their offense with precision, draining the clock and making crucial free throws to extend their lead. Diamond Johnson, known for her clutch performances, sealed the victory with a pair of free throws, sending the crowd into a frenzy as the final buzzer sounded.

The NC State women’s basketball team had done the unthinkable. They had defeated the top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in double overtime, earning one of the most significant victories in program history. The Wolfpack celebrated as confetti fell, while Notre Dame was left to process what had been a crushing defeat.

The Aftermath: A Victory for the Ages

In the days following the game, the significance of the victory began to sink in. NC State had not only taken down the number-one team in the nation but had done so in a way that highlighted everything that made their team so special: their grit, their tenacity, and their never-say-die attitude.

Coach Wes Moore praised his team’s performance, noting that they had shown tremendous heart and character throughout the game. He commended the leadership of players like Jakia Brown-Turner and Diamond Johnson, who had delivered when it mattered most.

For NC State, this victory was a statement. It demonstrated that they could go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the nation and come out on top. It also proved that they had the depth, skill, and poise to compete in the biggest moments.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s head coach Niele Ivey acknowledged that her team had been outplayed in key moments and pointed to missed opportunities as the reason for the loss. Despite the defeat, the Fighting Irish remained a formidable team, and their resilience would undoubtedly fuel their determination moving forward.

As the season continued, NC State’s win over Notre Dame became a defining moment in their campaign. The victory helped propel the Wolfpack to new heights, and they were widely considered one of the top contenders for the national title. Fans, players, and coaches alike would look back on that unforgettable night as a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork.

 A Historic Victory for NC State

NC State’s victory over Notre Dame in double overtime will go down as one of the most thrilling games in the history of women’s college basketball. It showcased the heart, resilience, and skill of a team that refused to give up, no matter how tough the situation became. As the Wolfpack celebrated their historic win, they knew that they had achieved something truly special — a victory over the number-one team in the country that would be remembered for years to come.