Instant observations: 2-seed NC State downs 15-seed Vermont to open NCAA Tournament

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Mar 22, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Vermont Catamounts guard Sarah Ericson (22) and Vermont Catamounts guard Bella Vito (10) chase a loose ball against NC State Wolfpack forward Tilda Trygger (18) during the first half at James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images

Zoe Brooks didn't hesitate. It didn't matter she hadn't knocked down a 3-pointer all game. She rose and fired from the left corner early in the fourth quarter as NC State was looking for anyway to build a double-digit lead against Vermont. As Brooks released the ball with a confident stroke, it fell through the rim with ease, leading to a sold-out Reynolds Coliseum to reach a deafening noise level. That triple, just the Wolfpack's fourth of the day, built an 11-point advantage that 2-seed NC State could use to down 15-seed Vermont 75-55 in the NCAA Tournament First Round on Saturday afternoon. Brooks, the Pack's flashy point guard, finished with a team-best 19 points, while she added five rebounds and two assists in the postseason victory. Senior guards Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers added 15 points each for NC State. NC State, which outscored Vermont 23-9 in the final period, advances to the second round, where it will face the winner of 7-seed Michigan State and 10-seed Harvard on Monday in Raleigh. Here are three observations from the Wolfpack's win.