Xavier Jones’s 2025 Women’s ACC Tournament Semifinals Recap (3-8-25)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: Arturo Jones-LMS Network
The 2025 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament semifinals on March 8th, featured two compelling matchups at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, NC. The first game of the afternoon showcased the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The game following them would be the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Duke Blue Devils. The winner of each game will move to the championship game on Sunday, March 9th.
NC State vs North Carolina
Top-seeded NC State secured a spot in the championship game by defeating fifth-seeded North Carolina, 66-55. The Wolfpack established an early lead, ending the first quarter 16-5 and extending their advantage to 33-26 by halftime. Despite a late surge from the Tar Heels, NC State maintained control throughout the game. Aziaha James led the Wolfpack with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Saniya Rivers contributed with 12 points. This victory marked NC State’s 19th appearance in the ACC Tournament Championship game and their fifth in the last six seasons. In the first quarter, NC State jumped out to a fast start, leading 16-5 after the first 10 minutes. The Wolfpack defense was aggressive from the start, limiting UNC’s offensive rhythm and forcing early turnovers. By the end of the second quarter, NC State had extended its lead to 33-26, largely behind strong play from Aziaha James, who was effective both scoring and distributing. After the half, North Carolina attempted to mount a comeback, tightening up its defense and finding better shot opportunities, but NC State remained steady and maintained a double-digit lead. Despite a late push from UNC, the Wolfpack held firm with solid free-throw shooting and clutch plays down the stretch.
The Wolfpack’s dominant first half set the tone, and despite UNC’s efforts, NC State’s ability to control the boards and execute in key moments proved decisive. With the win, NC State advances to the ACC Championship game, where they will face the winner of Notre Dame vs Duke.
Notre Dame vs Duke
In the other semifinal, second-seeded Notre Dame faced third-seeded Duke. The Fighting Irish advanced to the semifinals after a 73-64 victory over California in the quarterfinals, with ACC Player of the Year Hannah Hidalgo scoring 25 points. Duke reached the semifinals by defeating Louisville 61-48, showcasing strong defense and significant contributions from bench players like Oluchi Okananwa, who scored 13 points. In the first half of this game, Notre Dame’s offense was driven by Hidalgo, who continued her stellar play. Duke’s defense, however, kept the game close by forcing turnovers and limiting transition opportunities. In the second half, The Blue Devils attempted to slow the pace, relying on physical defense and half-court execution. Oluchi Okananwa provided a key spark for Duke, while Hidalgo and Notre Dame’s offense continued to grind out points in the paint. Duke was able to knock down clutch free throws to secure the victory and a spot in the ACC Tournament Championship game tomorrow against the Wolfpack.
The Wolfpack and Blue Devils will face off in an in-state rivalry game for the ACC Tournament Championship. Both teams’ fans will be in attendance and each fanbase will bring the noise as they look to celebrate with their team a win for their respective team. This game will be a grind-it-out type game, so whoever protects the ball and limits the mistakes will emerge victorious.
