In a thrilling Elite Eight matchup that will be remembered for years to come, the No. 11 seed NC State Wolfpack shocked the basketball world by defeating the No. 4 seed Duke Blue Devils, punching their ticket to the coveted Final Four. The game, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, saw NC State emerge victorious with a final score of 76-64, marking their first Final Four appearance since their legendary championship run in 1983.
Led by standout performances from DJ Burns Jr. and DJ Horne, affectionately dubbed the “DJ Booth,” NC State showcased resilience and determination throughout the contest. Burns Jr., who scored a remarkable 29 points on 13-of-19 shooting, dominated the second half, while Horne contributed 20 points to the Wolfpack’s historic win.
Despite a valiant effort from Duke’s Jared McCain, who led all scorers with 32 points, the Blue Devils couldn’t withstand NC State’s efficient offense in the critical moments of the game. Kyle Filipowski, Duke’s star center, finished with 11 points and nine rebounds before fouling out late in the second half.
The matchup between NC State and Duke was highly anticipated, especially given their previous encounters earlier in the season. The teams had split their matchups, with NC State claiming victory in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, setting the stage for an intense rematch on the national stage.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows and showcasing their strengths. NC State’s Burns Jr. proved to be a force to be reckoned with, scoring crucial baskets and leading his team with poise and determination. Duke, known for its storied basketball program, fought fiercely until the final buzzer, but ultimately fell short against a determined Wolfpack squad.
As the final seconds ticked away, the American Airlines Center erupted in jubilation as NC State fans celebrated their team’s historic victory. With this win, NC State joins an elite group of Cinderella stories in NCAA Tournament history, solidifying their place in basketball lore.
NC State will face off against Purdue in the Final Four, setting the stage for another thrilling matchup as they continue their quest for college basketball glory. But for now, Wolfpack fans can revel in the joy of a well-deserved victory over their fierce rivals, the Duke Blue Devils, in a game that will be remembered for generations to come.