DJ Horne scored 19 points to help North Carolina State beat Marquette 67-58 and advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986. With eight consecutive wins since the ACC Tournament, the Wolfpack are enjoying a magical run reminiscent of their 1983 national championship. Horne, along with teammates Casey Morsell and Mohamed Diarra, led the team to victory and will face either Houston or Duke in the next round.
The win against Marquette marked the Wolfpack’s first appearance in the Elite Eight since they won the national championship in 1983. Coached by Kevin Keatts, the team showcased their defensive prowess and balanced scoring, with key contributions from players like DJ Burns Jr. The Golden Eagles struggled with poor shooting, making only 12.9% of their 3-point attempts and 33.3% overall. Despite Marquette’s efforts, they couldn’t overcome N.C. State’s strong defense and offensive execution.
N.C. State found success with a team effort that emphasized defensive stinginess and offensive efficiency. DJ Horne’s sharpshooting and leadership on the court helped the Wolfpack maintain their lead over Marquette throughout the game. Despite some brief runs by the Golden Eagles, N.C. State stayed composed and closed out the game with a convincing win. The victory was a testament to the team’s growth and resilience, especially after a challenging regular season.
The Wolfpack’s victory was especially sweet as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first national championship in 1974, when they also defeated Marquette. This year’s impressive run has reignited hope for N.C. State fans, with a potential return to the Final Four on the horizon. With a mix of experienced players and up-and-coming talent, the Wolfpack are primed for further success in the remaining rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
The win over Marquette was a historic moment for N.C. State, as they continue to build on the legacy of past Elite Eight appearances in the 1980s. Despite facing tough competition in the next round, the Wolfpack are determined to keep their momentum going and secure a spot in the Final Four. With a balanced team that excels on both ends of the court, N.C. State is poised to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially capture another national championship.
In a remarkable parallel, the N.C. State women’s team also advanced to the Elite Eight on the same day with a victory over Stanford. This double success for the Wolfpack program underscores the depth of talent and coaching excellence at the university. As N.C. State prepares for the next round of competition, fans are hopeful for more thrilling moments and potential championship glory. The Wolfpack’s journey in the NCAA Tournament is a captivating story of perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence on college basketball’s biggest stage.
