NC State’s Cinderella run to the Final Four continued with a dominant win over Duke in the Elite Eight. DJ Burns and DJ Horne led the charge as the Wolfpack outscored the Blue Devils in the second half to secure a spot in the Final Four. Duke struggled to score, shooting just 32% from the field, while NC State caught fire to seal the victory.
The Wolfpack’s journey to the Final Four has been nothing short of remarkable. After finishing 10th in the ACC, NC State had to win five games in five days to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. They then went on to upset top teams like Texas Tech, Oakland, and Marquette to reach the Final Four. Their win streak makes them the sixth No. 11 seed in history to make it to this stage of the tournament, defying the odds in spectacular fashion.
Facing off against a Duke team that had underperformed all season, NC State capitalized on their opponent’s struggles. Kyle Filipowski and other key players for Duke had poor shooting performances, while NC State’s Burns and Horne shone on offense. The Wolfpack’s ability to break Duke’s full-court press in the final minutes sealed the win and highlighted their resilience and poise under pressure.
With this victory, NC State joins a select group of lower-seeded teams who have made the Final Four, including LSU, George Mason, VCU, Loyola Chicago, and UCLA. The Wolfpack’s previous success in the tournament, winning the national title in 1983, adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding their upcoming Final Four appearance. The team’s impressive run has fans and analysts alike eager to see if they can continue their magical season.
The disappointing end of the season for Duke reflects their unfulfilled potential after starting the season as a top-ranked team. Their inability to live up to expectations led to a No. 4 seed in the tournament and ultimately a loss in the Elite Eight to NC State. With key players struggling to find their shooting touch, Duke faced an insurmountable deficit against a resilient Wolfpack team that seized the opportunity to advance to the Final Four.
As NC State prepares for their fourth Final Four appearance in school history, the team and their supporters are riding high on the excitement of their improbable journey. With a roster filled with talent and a winning mentality, the Wolfpack are poised to make a statement in the Final Four and potentially make history once again. The stage is set for NC State to continue their magical run and defy expectations in pursuit of a national championship.
