In an unexpected turn of events, the 11th-seeded NC State team secured their spot in the Final Four by defeating fourth-seeded Duke in the South Regional final. DJ Burns Jr. played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring 29 points with 21 coming in the second half. This marks NC State’s first appearance in the Final Four since their championship win in 1983. The team will face Purdue in Phoenix, who also secured a spot in the Final Four with a win over Tennessee earlier in the day.
Burns, who had a standout performance in the game, only scored four points in the Sweet 16 matchup but made up for it with seven assists. Despite facing tough defenders, the 6-foot-9 big man dominated the game against Duke, scoring the first four points for NC State. Even with foul trouble in the first half, Burns remained focused and led his team to victory in the second half. His remarkable performance earned him the title of Most Outstanding Player of the South Region, and his coach Kevin Keatts praised his skills on the court.
The matchup between NC State and Duke was a highly anticipated game, as it was the third time the two teams faced each other in the past month. Burns had previously scored big numbers in their previous matchups, but his performance on Sunday was crucial in securing the victory for NC State. Guard DJ Horne also had a strong showing with 20 points and three assists, contributing to the team’s success in the South Regional final. Despite losing their final four regular-season games, NC State’s run in the tournament has been impressive, with memories that will last a lifetime.
The Wolfpack’s victory over Duke earned Burns, Horne, McCain, and Filipowski spots on the South Regional All-Tournament team. Freshman guard Jared McCain stood out for Duke with 32 points and six rebounds, while big man Kyle Filipowski contributed with 11 points and nine rebounds before fouling out. The intensity of the game and the exceptional performances from both teams made for a thrilling contest that showcased the talent and determination of the players. NC State’s unexpected journey to the Final Four has captured the attention of fans and solidified their place among the last four teams standing in the tournament.
