5 best moments from Notre Dame and NC State's double overtime thriller, including Zoe Brooks' fearless day
Not to be dramatic, but on Sunday, Notre Dame and NC State played the game of the year.
Under head coach Niele Ivey, Notre Dame found its way to the top of the women’s college basketball ranks. However, it wouldn’t last long. After a week at the top, it all went down in a double overtime thriller.
The matchup had everything you could ask for: five WNBA draft prospects, pesky defense, gnarly shots, breakout stat lines and some near-perfect free-throw shooting.
It was tremendous, and in case you missed any of the action, we’ve collected them in one lovely place, including Zoe Brooks going scorched earth.
Here are the best moments that you’ll want to re-live again:
1. Zoe Brooks’ sensational 30-point double-double versus Notre Dame
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 10: Zoe Brooks #35 of the NC State Wolfpack plays /S during their game at the Spectrum Center on November 10, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
A lot gets said about the sophomore class led by Hannah Hidalgo, but during Sunday’s matchup, NC State’s Zoe Brooks was the best player on the floor.
She was phenomenal (and fearless!) as she unraveled Notre Dame’s defense for 30 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. What did she say about going against the likes of Hidalgo and Olivia Miles?
“I like challenges,” she told the media postgame.
2. Sonia Citron’s mind-blowing 3-pointer to send the game vs. NC State to overtime
Mar 10, 2024; Greensboro, NC, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Sonia Citron (11) chases a loose ball in the first half against the NC State Wolfpack at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
Admittedly, we are pushing the Sonia Citron agenda.
Citron is constantly all over the court and isn’t talked about enough. When Notre Dame needed a bucket, she delivered. PUT THIS SHOT ON A LOOP.
3. Aziaha James’ crafty behind-the-back layup versus Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 03: Aziaha James #10 of the NC State Wolfpack reacts near the end of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Reynolds Coliseum on February 3, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
The game was out of hand at this point. Notre Dame was melting down by the second, and then Aziaha James pulled out this sorcery.
FILTHY. PUT THIS ON A LOOP, TOO, BECAUSE WHAT IS THIS?!
4. NC State’s Saniya Rivers swatting an Olivia Miles’ shot into the next realm
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 10: Saniya Rivers #22 of the NC State Wolfpack plays against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at the Spectrum Center on November 10, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Saniya Rivers didn’t have to do Olivia Miles like this.
That woman has a family. I mean, look at this. Olivia was just minding her business, shooting a layup, and—SWAT. Ball obliterated.
SANIYA RIVERS SENDS OLIVIA MILES' SHOT INTO THE CROWD pic.twitter.com/qZXAsRmyzw
— ESPN (@espn) February 23, 2025
5. NC State’s Tilda Trygger’s being a difference maker with lights-out shooting
Nov 10, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack forward Tilda Trygger (18) shoots a three against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
A lot will be said about the efforts of Zoe Brooks, Aziaha James, and Saniya Rivers, but NC State wouldn’t have won without some incredible shooting from freshman Tilda Trygger.
Trygger had 19 points on 89 percent shooting, nine rebounds and two blocks.