In a stunning upset during the Elite Eight clash on Sunday, the No. 11 seeded NC State Wolfpack extended their remarkable winning streak to nine consecutive games by defeating the No. 4 seeded Duke Blue Devils with a resounding 76-64 victory.
This triumph not only propels NC State into the prestigious Final Four but also etches their name as the sixth No. 11 seed in men’s NCAA tournament history to achieve such a feat, marking a historic milestone.
Despite a sluggish start, NC State rallied in the second half, outscoring Duke 27-11 within a crucial ten-minute stretch, led by standout performances from DJ Horne and DJ Burns. Burns, in particular, dominated the court with a game-high 29 points, supported by Horne’s impressive 20-point contribution.
As NC State gained momentum, Duke faltered, struggling to find their offensive rhythm and falling behind. Despite a late full-court press by Duke in a desperate attempt to narrow the gap, NC State maintained their composure, securing easy baskets to retain a commanding lead.
NC State’s journey to the Final Four has been nothing short of miraculous, overcoming adversity in the ACC tournament and securing impressive victories over formidable opponents along the way. With this win, NC State joins the ranks of esteemed underdogs in Final Four history, rewriting the narrative of this year’s March Madness with each thrilling victory.
In contrast, Duke faces a bitter end to a season marked by unfulfilled expectations, failing to live up to their preseason hype as they exit the tournament earlier than anticipated. Despite flashes of brilliance from individual players, Duke’s collective effort fell short, ultimately ending their championship aspirations in disappointment.
As NC State celebrates their historic achievement, all eyes now turn to the Final Four, where they will continue to defy the odds and chase their championship dreams.