NC State’s Cinderella run to Final Four in South region final at AAC halted by Duke

In a stunning turn of events, the North Carolina State Wolfpack secured their spot in the Final Four by defeating the Duke Blue Devils 76-64 in the Elite Eight game. The Wolfpack, who entered the tournament as an 11 seed, continued their unexpected journey by dominating the second half and outscoring Duke by 18 points.

NC State’s remarkable run began with a five-game winning streak in the ACC tournament, followed by impressive victories in the NCAA tournament. Despite being framed as the tournament’s Cinderella team, the Wolfpack players remained confident and determined to prove themselves on the court.

Center DJ Burns Jr. was named the Outstanding Player for the South Region after scoring 29 points and leading his team to victory. Duke, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with NC State’s momentum, shooting poorly from the field and ultimately falling short in the game.

Coach Kevin Keatts praised his team’s resilience and determination, highlighting their unconventional path to success. With their first Final Four appearance in 41 years, the Wolfpack will face Purdue in the next round, where Burns will once again showcase his skills on the court.

As NC State continues their unexpected ride in the tournament, fans can expect an exciting matchup against Purdue and a chance for the Wolfpack to make history by reaching the title game. The team’s success serves as a reminder that anything is possible in March Madness, and the underdogs can rise to the occasion against all odds.