In an intense showdown, the NC State Wolfpack pulled off a jaw-dropping upset against the Duke Blue Devils, securing their berth in the coveted Final Four for the first time in over four decades.
From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, the clash between these two basketball powerhouses was nothing short of breathtaking. Duke and NC State traded blows throughout the first half, with Duke holding a slim six-point lead at halftime. As the tension increased and the stakes soared, the Wolfpack refused to back down in the final moments.
Trailing 33-29 early in the second half, NC State unleashed a dominant run that left the basketball world in shock.
At the heart of NC State's historic triumph were two players who etched their names into March Madness lore: DJ Horne and DJ Burns. These two jack of all trades combined for an astonishing display of offensive prowess, leaving defenders in their wake and fans on the edge of their seats. DJ Burns, in particular, delivered an unforgettable performance, pouring on 29 points on an efficient 13-of-19 shooting from the field.
But it wasn't just the individual brilliance of these stars that propelled NC State to victory. It was the collective grit and resilience of a team that refused to be denied their moment in the spotlight. With another win in the books, the Wolfpack looks to cement their place in college basketball immortality.
As the clock ticked down and the tensions reached its end, NC State found themselves with a commanding ten-point lead and just minutes left on the clock. Duke’s star player Kyle Filipowski would also pick up his fifth foul during the final stretch which signaled the defeat of the Blue Devils.
With their remarkable ninth consecutive elimination game victory, the NC State Wolfpack have punched their ticket to the Final Four, signaling a triumphant return to the pinnacle of college basketball after a four-decade hiatus in the Final Four. As NC State will face No. 1 seed Purdue on Saturday in Glendale, Arizona, for a spot in the national championship game, one thing is abundantly clear: the Wolfpack's determination make them a force to be reckoned with.