Washington, March 26 (BUS): Raina Perez’s steal in the middle of the court and halting play 14 seconds to go lifted top-ranked North Carolina to a 66-63 victory over fifth-seeded Notre Dame on Saturday in the Bridgeport District semi-finals.
It’s the Wolfpack’s first trip to the Elite Eight since 1998 when they reached Final Four, according to the Associated Press.
Late 59-51 early in the fourth quarter, Wolfpack rose, scoring 15 of the last 19 points that Perez capped a corner kick.
The Irish had one last chance, but Maddie Westbled missed 3 pointers from the wing and Perez made two free throws to the last margin.
North Carolina State (32-3) advanced to the regional final on Monday night where it will face either second seed UConn or No. 3 Indiana.
Elisa Konani scored 16 points, and Kay Crutchfield added 14 points for the Wolfpack team, which avenged a previous loss against the Irish on the first of February. This was North Carolina State’s last loss of the season.
Notre Dame: The Irish topped UMass in the first round before defeating fourth-seeded Oklahoma 108-64 in the second round.
North Carolina State: Wolfpack directs both Longwood and Kansas State to advance to the Sweet 16.
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