Stanford collapses against NC State, ends Cameron Brink's illustrious career

Stanford went into halftime of their Sweet 16 game against NC State leading by 10 with the Elite 8 in reach, but were absolutes blasted by a barrage of big shots in the third quarter.

NC State outscored Stanford 28-10 in the third quarter alone, and when the game went into the fourth quarter both Kiki Iriafen who ended up playing just 22 minutes and Cameron Brink were in foul trouble. Brink wasn't able to avoid drawing the whistle early in the fourth, fouling out with over eight minutes remaining in the game.

Iriafen would look to carry the load by herself with Brink out, but it wasn't enough for the Cardinal who fell 77-67, thus ending their season and Brink's career. as she gets ready for the WNBA Draft.

Head coach Tara VanDerveer expressed how disappointed she was for Brink, who was playing in her hometown.

"I know she wanted to do so well in Portland, being from Portland," Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer said. "She got us off to a really good start. Last couple games we've struggled in the first half. She really got us going. Cam is a phenomenal player, a phenomenal person. I'm really sad that this is her last game in a Stanford uniform."

It was quite clear that once NC State's shots started falling and they changed up their defense making it extremely hard for Stanford to get the ball in the paint, the Cardinal were in trouble. Stanford was forced to rely on guard play that is as passive and inconsistent as it gets, and the team finished 5-of-25 from three and also had 14 turnovers to the Wolfpack's seven.

Brink was however in good spirits after the loss.

"If I have to lose anywhere, in front of family and friends, it's the way I want to do it," said Brink. "Playing in front of them my last college game ever really meant a lot to me. I think I'm really at peace with my career and how it went. I think we just came up short today. I just feel really lucky. I'm sitting here feeling really lucky and really blessed."

Stanford will have to learn from the loss, and may get a shot at redemption next season when they make the jump to the ACC. As for Brink, she departs as a NCAA Champion and multi-time All-American and Pac-12 Champ.