State's Rivers undaunted by facing former team in Final Four
Posted April 4, 2024 8:19 p.m. EDT
Updated April 4, 2024 8:20 p.m. EDT
Cleveland — On Friday night, the NC State Wolfpack women's basketball team tips off in their national semifinal game against unbeaten South Carolina.
A primary storyline revolves around Saniya Rivers, played for South Carolina and head coach Dawn Staley in 2022 when the Gamecocks won the national championship.
Rivers has fielded a lot of questions about her former team, but she says her goal is to just win the next game.
At the Wolfpack’s Thursday practice, things appeared business as usual. However, this is the Final Four and the moment is starting to set in.
“If it hasn’t it will tomorrow," Rivers said. "But we’re just so excited to be here. Obviously, I’ve been here before.”
The Wolfpack women will lean on Rivers' experience in the Final Four. She's back for the second time after winning it all with South Carolina. Going up against her former team, Rivers said she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Somebody asked me if I wished it was anyone but South Carolina. No!" said Rivers. "We embrace the tough game and it’s going to be a tough game but it’s going to be a friendly one. That’s a great team and we’re a great team, too. We’re both here for a reason and it’s just a matter of who wants it more.”
The Wolfpack believe they want it more. They’ve played with an edge all year coming into the season unranked. Rivers said that's helped the team to create a special bond.
“They’re not just my teammates, those are my friends, those are my dogs, those are my sisters and I love them so much.," Rivers said. "I love what we’re doing right now. We’re just different. We’re a different kind of team and every team can’t call them sisters so I’m just glad we’re able to do that.”
The Wolfpack and Gamecocks tip off at 7 p.m.
