North Carolina State’s men’s basketball team made history on Sunday by securing a spot in the Final Four for the first time in four decades. The 11th-seeded Wolfpack defeated their Atlantic Coast Conference rival, Duke, with a score of 76-64 in the South Region final.
Led by DJ Burns Jr., who scored a season-high 29 points, and DJ Horne, who added 20 points, N.C. State showcased their resilience and determination throughout the game. The team, with a record of 26-14, is now headed to Glendale, Arizona, with a nine-game winning streak.
After a challenging season where they had to win five games in five days in the ACC Tournament just to secure a spot in the NCAA field, the Wolfpack’s journey to the Final Four is a testament to their perseverance. Coach Kevin Keatts and his team have defied the odds and are now set to face off against Purdue in the national semifinal game.
Despite a strong performance from Duke, who ousted top seed Houston in the Sweet 16, the Blue Devils fell short of reaching the Final Four for the second time in three seasons. N.C. State’s victory was sealed with a double-digit lead, solidifying their place in the prestigious tournament.
As the Wolfpack prepare to make their mark in the Final Four, fans and basketball enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating their upcoming matchup against Purdue. The team’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.