The North Carolina State Wolfpack, seeded No. 11, has reached the Final Four of the men’s NCAA Tournament after upsetting No. 4 Duke. This Cinderella journey marks the first time NC State has reached this stage since winning the national championship in 1983. The victory over Duke came in the second half, where the Wolfpack outscored their opponents, 55-37, after being down at halftime. DJ Burns Jr. led NC State with 29 points, while guard DJ Horne contributed 20 points in the second half. The Wolfpack took control of the game with a 15-4 run and held off Duke’s challenges to secure the win.
Duke struggled to score in the second half, with their leading scorer Jared McCain, Jeremy Roach, and Kyle Filipowski unable to find their rhythm. Filipowski fouled out with less than five minutes to play, adding to the team’s offensive woes. Despite some late layups, Duke’s full-court press was ineffective as NC State responded with easy baskets. The Blue Devils shot just 32.2% from the field and 25% from three-point range, while NC State shot 46.7% from the field. Filipowski finished with only 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting, Roach added 13 points, and Tyrese Proctor went 0-for-9, including five missed three-point attempts.
NC State faces a formidable opponent in the Final Four with the No. 1-seeded Purdue Boilermakers, led by Zach Edey who scored 40 points in their victory over Tennessee. The Wolfpack has been on a surprising run, defeating higher-seeded teams like No. 6 Texas Tech and No. 2 Marquette in the Sweet 16. The other Final Four matchup features No. 1 UConn and No. 4 Alabama, with all games set to be played at State Farm Stadium on April 6. NC State’s success has been unexpected but they continue to shock their opponents with their determined and strong performances throughout the tournament.
The Wolfpack’s victory over Duke was a result of strong second-half performances from key players like DJ Burns Jr. and DJ Horne, who led the team in scoring and propelled them to the Final Four. Their ability to maintain control of the game through runs and effective defense against Duke’s scorers showcased their resilience and determination. NC State’s Cinderella journey has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, as they look to replicate their past success in the tournament. The upcoming matchup against Purdue will present a tough challenge, especially against a player like Zach Edey who has been dominant in recent games.
The atmosphere at the games has been intense, with fans of NC State rallying behind their team and celebrating each victory. The Wolfpack’s unexpected success has added excitement to the tournament, as they continue to defy expectations and prove themselves against higher-seeded teams. The Final Four promises to be a thrilling event, with NC State looking to continue their impressive run and potentially secure a spot in the national championship game. The team’s underdog status has only fueled their determination to compete and emerge victorious, making them a dangerous opponent for any team they face in the tournament.
