The NC State Wolfpack have shocked the college basketball world by making it to the Final Four of the men’s NCAA Tournament as the No. 11 seed. They secured their spot by upsetting No. 4 Duke in a thrilling game where they outscored the Blue Devils in the second half by a significant margin. Led by big man DJ Burns Jr. and guard DJ Horne, the Wolfpack’s offense was firing on all cylinders, while Duke struggled to find their shots. The Wolfpack faithful in Dallas were energized as their team took control of the game, ultimately securing a 76-64 victory.
Duke’s leading scorer Jared McCain was unable to carry his team to victory, as the Blue Devils’ offense stalled in the second half. With key player Kyle Filipowski fouling out late in the game, Duke was unable to mount a comeback against a resilient NC State squad. The Wolfpack’s efficient shooting and strong defensive play limited Duke to a dismal 32.2% shooting from the field and 25% from three-point range. While McCain and Jeremy Roach tried to keep Duke in the game, it was not enough to overcome NC State’s dominant performance.
NC State now faces the top-seeded Purdue Boilermakers in the Final Four, who are led by star big man Zach Edey. Edey’s 40-point performance against Tennessee helped Purdue secure their Final Four berth and will be a key player for NC State to contain in the upcoming matchup. Despite being the underdogs in every game so far, the Wolfpack have managed to upset several higher-seeded teams on their way to the Final Four, including Texas Tech and Marquette. The other Final Four matchup will feature No. 1 UConn and No. 4 Alabama, with both games set to take place at State Farm Stadium on April 6.
This Cinderella run for NC State is reminiscent of their 1983 national championship victory under legendary coach Jim Valvano. The Wolfpack have shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament, proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with. With Burns and Horne leading the way, and a passionate fan base cheering them on, NC State has defied expectations and earned their spot among the nation’s top teams. As they prepare to face off against Purdue, the Wolfpack will look to continue their improbable journey and make history once again.
As the excitement builds for the Final Four matchups, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if NC State can continue their impressive run and compete with the top teams in the country. With the tournament narrowing down to the final games, the stage is set for some intense and high-stakes basketball action. The Wolfpack’s unexpected success has captivated the nation and brought attention to their talented roster and coaching staff. As they face off against Purdue, NC State will look to make their mark on college basketball history and create even more memorable moments for their fans to cherish.
