The dream season continues for the NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team! After a thrilling victory over arch-rival Duke in the Elite Eight, the eleventh-seeded Wolfpack are headed to the Final Four for the first time since 1983!
Fueled by a dominant performance from senior forward DJ Burns Jr., who poured in a game-high 29 points, NC State overcame a slow start to dismantle the Blue Devils 76-64. Burns was a force in the second half, scoring a staggering 21 points after the break to propel his team to victory.
This win marks a significant upset, as Duke entered the game heavily favored. The Wolfpack, however, displayed incredible heart and resilience throughout the tournament, proving that Coach Kevin Keatts’ squad is a force to be reckoned with. Their defense, particularly in the second half, shut down the high-powered Duke offense, and the Wolfpack’s scrappy play on the boards gave them a crucial advantage.
Now, NC State sets its sights on Glendale, Arizona, where they’ll face the juggernaut Purdue Boilermakers in the first national semifinal on April 6th. The Boilermakers boast a formidable frontline led by the 7-foot-4 All-American Zach Edey, but the Wolfpack have shown a knack for taking down giants throughout this tournament. Can the Wolfpack’s Cinderella run continue all the way to the championship game? Tune in to find out!
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