What did North Carolina State say about Texas before their Elite Eight encounter?

PORTLAND, Ore. − Texas hasn't reached the Final Four in 21 years. North Carolina State hasn't been to the Final Four since 1998. A win on Sunday at the Moda Center will end a lengthy drought for one of those teams.

North Carolina State players and head coach Wes Moore were made available to the media on Saturday. Here's what that Wolfpack had to say about Texas in their press conference:

Moore on Texas freshman guard Madison Booker

"First of all, you've got to give Coach (Vic) Schaefer and their team a lot of credit for overcoming the loss of their point guard, (Rori) Harmon, and again, great player. But to do what Booker's done, to move to the point guard as a freshman in this situation is really impressive.

"And you can tell she's a big-time player already, and she's going to be one of the best in the country, especially as she continues to gain experience.

"It's a tough matchup. Because of her length, she can get her shot off. Those jump shots are hard to defend because of her length and her ability to get it off. Can't say enough about her."

Moore on why Texas is effective with its defensive philosophy

"I think you don't see everyone playing it, you know. Duke in our conference is very similar as far as bringing the heat. But they really try to take you out of what you want to do.

"When you're trying to run a set or get the ball to a certain player, they make it tough. And if you're not careful, you'll end up continuing to retreat to get the ball and now you're catching it near half-court. And you don't score near half-court. So you've got to really make sure you're doing backdoor cuts and you're attacking the pressure.

"But, again, I think it's just you don't see it every day. It reminds me a lot of Pat Summitt's defense. I grew up in my coaching career near her in Knoxville and all. Very similar type defense.

"I think we'd all like to play it, but maybe we don't have all the ability. They do a great job with it."

Guard Madison Hayes on Schaefer, who she signed with at Mississippi State

"He was a really great coach. I mean, I committed to him for a reason. We had a great two-year relationship in my recruitment. And, obviously, it sucked that he went to go to Texas. But I love him. He loves my family. I love his family."

Guard Saniya Rivers on what stands out about Texas

"I think their bigs are stronger. I think if we limit their second-chance opportunities, crashing the boards, I think we'll be fine. They have some shooters. I think if we can contest those, make them put it on the floor and attack the basket, we'll have more of a chance."