Joe Dillard Jr’s ACC 2025 Women’s Tournament Semifinals Recap (3-8-2025)

By: Joe Dillard Jr.

Headline Photo Credit: ACC

Day 4 

Straight To The Business

In the first semifinal game, we had #6 North Carolina taking on #1 N.C. The state and the environment were electric.  Carolina came out early with a 5-0 run to start the game out and after that, it was all downhill for the first quarter as the Tarheels had more turnovers (6) than points as the Lady Wolfpack went on a 16-0 run to take the first quarter 16-5. Only scoring 5 points in a quarter makes it hard to come back and the shots were there early for UNC, however not enough conversions to keep the game close.  N.C. The state gained momentum with hustle plays and effort that got extra possessions and points.  Aziaha James went down with a hit to the head and returned with spirit leading all scorers with 19 points while gathering 9 boards. The Wolfpack continued to make a stance for a number one seed in the NCAA tourney as they advanced to the championship game with a 66-55 win over North Carolina.  The wolfpack looks to avenge last year’s loss to Notre Dame in the title game whether it’s Notre Dame or Duke.  

The last semifinal game featured Duke vs Notre Dame where this was full of energy and players who have WNBA potential.  ACC player of the year Hannah Hidalgo had her hands full as Duke takes pride in defending the ball and making it hard to do the things you like to do. When you can take away the best player for the opposing team, it makes it hard for that team to stay or even get in rhythm.  Oluchi Okananwa has been as efficient as anybody during this tournament. She tallied up 14 points, 7 rebounds and three assists.  The best part of that stat line was 3-3, 2-2, 6-6 which was from the field, three-point line, and free throws.  Duke held off a late push by Notre Dame and ended up advancing 61-56 to face North Carolina State for the championship game.  

This has been a great tournament with action-packed hoops and we look to crown a champion tomorrow here in Greensboro as Duke takes on N.C. State.