Instant observations: NC State falls to LSU in Sweet 16

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Mar 28, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Zoe Brooks (35) shoots against LSU Lady Tigers forward Sa'Myah Smith (5) during the first half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

SPOKANE, Wash. — Just when it seemed like NC State had control in the fourth quarter, LSU’s high-octane offense went to work. It matched the Pack bucket for bucket before the Tigers’ Sa’Myah Smith blocked Zoe Brooks' layup with just over a minute to go. That defensive stop allowed LSU spark a 12-2 run to close the game, erasing any chance for NC State to claw back at the Tigers in an 80-73 loss in the Sweet 16 at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday night. Brooks led the Wolfpack with 21 points, while freshman guard Zam Jones added 13 and senior guard Aziaha James added 12. Sophomore forward Maddie Cox, meanwhile, posted one of her best efforts of the season with 8 points and seven rebounds. Here are three observations from the Wolfpack’s season-ending loss to the Tigers.