Raina Perez seals NC State’s thrilling comeback win over Notre Dame

No. 1 seed NC State came back to defeat No. 5 seed Notre Dame 66-63 in the Sweet 16 on Saturday.

Raina Perez delivered the game-winner, stripping Dara Mabrey of the ball at halfcourt and converting the breakaway layup to give the Wolfpack a one-point lead with 16 seconds left.

NC State overcame a double-digit deficit, outscoring Notre Dame 20-10 in the fourth quarter to pull out the win down the stretch.

The Fighting Irish gave up seven of their 16 turnovers in the fourth, allowing NC State a window to mount their comeback.

Elissa Cunane led the Wolfpack in points with 16 while adding ten rebounds. Kai Crutchfield notched 14 rebounds and four steals, while Perez added seven points and four steals.

Notre Dame shot 50.9 percent as a team, with Oliva Miles contributing a game-high 21 points.

NC State’s late push, however, secured their place in the Elite Eight, where they will face off against the winner of No. 2 UConn and No. 3 Indiana.