Instant observations: No. 13 NC State nabs road win at No. 20 Georgia Tech

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Mar 29, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Saniya Rivers (22) celebrates after scoring a basket during the second half against the Stanford Cardinal in the semifinals of the Portland Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Not even 30 minutes had passed after NC State’s 1-point loss at North Carolina on Sunday afternoon, but Wolfpack coach Wes Moore was solely focused on Georgia Tech. It didn’t matter that the Pack just learned it would host ESPN’s College GameDay this coming weekend, Moore was honed in on the Yellow Jackets. It was for good reason, too. Georgia Tech, ranked 20th in this week’s Associated Press Top 25, was going to be NC State’s fourth ranked opponent in its last five games. Moore wanted his squad to be ready for another grueling game on the road — and his laser focus paid off when the Wolfpack arrived in Atlanta. No. 13 NC State found a way to get back in the win column with an 83-68 victory at Georgia Tech on Thursday night. It marked the Wolfpack’s 17th win in its last 19 opportunities, including the team’s third ranked win in the last 17 days. Senior guard Aziaha James led the Pack with 17 points, while sophomore guard Zoe Brooks added 17 and senior guard Saniya Rivers chipped in with 16 in the win over the Yellow Jackets. Senior guard Madison Hayes wasn't far behind that trio with 14 points of her own. Here are three observations from the Pack’s midweek victory.