for the N.C. State men’s team is a showdown in the Elite Eight against either top-seeded Houston or No. 4 seed Duke. The Wolfpack have been on a hot streak with eight consecutive victories since the start of the ACC Tournament, and players like DJ Horne, Casey Morsell, and Mohamed Diarra have been instrumental in their success. Despite a rough end to the regular season, the team has found their groove at the perfect time, with Horne leading the team in scoring once again in the win over Marquette.
The Wolfpack’s victory over Marquette marks the first time they have reached the Elite Eight since 1986, when they went on to win the national championship in 1983. With a combination of strong defense and balanced scoring, N.C. State was able to hold off Marquette’s offense and secure the win. Head coach Kevin Keatts has been guiding this unlikely crew to success, with big contributions from players like DJ Burns Jr. and Kam Jones. The team’s success in this year’s tournament has been a testament to their resilience and determination.
Marquette, on the other hand, struggled with their shooting performance in the Sweet 16 matchup, going just 4 of 31 from 3-point range and shooting 33.3% overall. Despite efforts from players like Kam Jones and Tyler Kolek, the Golden Eagles were unable to overcome N.C. State’s stifling defense. Head coach Shaka Smart has yet to secure a tournament win with Marquette, facing tough losses in his time with the team.
The women’s team at N.C. State also had a successful day on Friday, earning their third trip to the women’s Elite Eight with a victory over Stanford. Both the men’s and women’s teams at N.C. State have been performing well in this year’s tournament, showcasing the strength and talent of the university’s basketball programs. With a historic win over Marquette, the men’s team is now focused on their upcoming matchup in the Elite Eight, looking to continue their magical run and potentially secure a spot in the Final Four.
The N.C. State men’s team will face a tough test in their next game, as they await the winner of the matchup between top-seeded Houston and No. 4 seed Duke. With their impressive performance in the tournament so far, the Wolfpack are confident in their ability to compete at a high level and continue their success. As they prepare for the Elite Eight showdown, the team will be looking to build on their recent wins and make a push for a chance to compete for the national championship, mirroring the success of their program in the past.
