NC State women's basketball survives Texas, will play in first Final Four since 1998

NC State women's basketball is still dancing.

For the first time in 26 years, the Wolfpack (31-6) will head to the Final Four after NC State beat the Texas Longhorns (33-5) on Sunday in Portland, Oregon, 76-66.

For most of the first half, it appeared almost certain. The Wolfpack led by as many as 18 points late in the second quarter, but the Longhorns stuck around just long enough to keep things interesting as Texas hit a few shots to cut the halftime deficit to 12.

In the third quarter, NC State couldn't regain the momentum that the Longhorns had taken into the locker room. Texas cut the deficit to six and entered the fourth quarter trailing by nine. In the fourth period, though, NC State largely found its form again, cruising to a comfortable victory.

Pregame court issues for NC State women's basketball

There was controversy before Sunday's game even tipped off.

The 3-point line at one end of the court — the end NC State was shooting on for the first half — was longer from the baseline to the top of the key than the one on the other end. Tipoff was delayed as coaches from both schools met with game officials and NCAA representatives to determine what to do. Ultimately, both Wolfpack coach Wes Moore and Texas coach Vic Schaefer agreed to play with the uneven court.

The NCAA released a statement at halftime saying that the court will be fixed before Monday's game between USC and UConn.

Aziaha James' record-setting shooting

The longer distance didn't impact Aziaha James. She responded with a team-high 10 points in the first quarter and stretched her total to 21 by halftime.

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Perhaps most impressively, James was a perfect 5-for-5 from 3-point range in the first half. She finished with 27 points, including a career-high and tournament program-record seven threes.

Baldwin puts the team on her back

In the first half, center River Baldwin made little impact on offense, missing her only shot attempt. However, as Texas attempted its comeback down the stretch, it was Baldwin who led the offense. In the second half, she made five of six shots and made all six of her free throws, scoring 16 points.

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What's next

NC State will play South Carolina on Friday in Cleveland, Ohio, for a spot in the national championship game.