NC State overcame a late deficit and won to advance to the second Elite Eight in program history. (1:45)
NC State is looking to make history by returning to the women's Final Four for the first time since 1998 when it takes on Connecticut in the regional final Monday.
It will be necessary for the Wolfpack to tune out the crowd in Connecticut that is expected to be supportive of the Huskies.
Tomorrow is a home game for them. NC State star center and WNBA prospect Elissa Cunane told reporters that there was no question about that.
South Carolina was the top seed in the tournament and NC State was the second seed in the tournament. NC State was the 3rd overall seed and the 1st overall seed in the Big East tournament, while the Huskies were the 6th overall seed and the 1st overall seed in the Big East tournament.
NC State and Notre Dame had respectable contingents that showed up for the regional semifinal. The majority of fans came to root for the same team. The loudest cheers of the NC State-Notre Dame game came when the players from Connecticut entered the arena.
NC State coach Wes Moore said that Connecticut fans are great. They love their women's basketball, and you have to respect that.
Experience will be one of the things that the Wolfpack look to lean on.
NC State became the first NCAA women's team to beat two No. 1 teams on the road in the same season when it defeated South Carolina and Louisville last year.
The Wolfpack beat the then-No. 1 team this season. Connecticut defeated Indiana in the Sweet 16 on Saturday. They were 9-1 in away games and 6-0 on neutral courts.
We beat them at their home in South Carolina, we beat them at their home in Louisville, and we beat them at their home in Indiana this year.
I think that gives me confidence, so hopefully it gives them confidence, Moore said.
NC State is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 1998 after falling in the Sweet 16 the previous three years. Three graduate students, a senior and a junior are part of the starting lineup for the Wolfpack.
The Wolfpack showed their maturity when they beat the Irish on Saturday. Raina Perez's go-ahead basket on a steal and score with 14 seconds to play was the difference as NC State defeated Notre Dame.
They are solid. They are experienced. They know how to win. They play well together. Geno Auriemma said that they don't seem fazed by anything. It shows you their resolve and their ability to play the whole 40 minutes.
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