NC State’s 2nd Half Turnaround Propels Them to a 76-64 Win Over Duke, Advancing to the FINAL FOUR for the First Time Since ’83

#11 seed NC State had pretty much led for the entirety of every NCAA Tournament game heading into tonight’s matchup against ACC rival #4 seed Duke in the Elite Eight. How would the Pack handle things if they fell behind?

NC State trailed Duke 21-27 at halftime, shooting only 26.5% from the field. The Wolfpack showed the type of resolve they possess this evening, turning things around in the 2nd half, shooting an insane 73.1% from the field after the break.

With 12:59 remaining in the game, NC State took the lead on a pair of DJ Horne free throws, and they took it for good when he made a jumper at the 11:49 mark.

Senior Forward DJ Burns carried his team to the Final Four this evening, finishing with 29 points, shooting 13 of 19 from the field. Duke quite literally had no answer for Burns. It was a magical thing to watch.

Like it’s been for much of the year, it’s been both DJ’s that have been essential to Wolfpack victories, and it was no different today. Senior Guard DJ Horne 20 points, shooting 7 of 16 from the field, and 2 of 6 from beyond the arc.

For both DJ’s, they shined the brightest in the 2nd half, when the Wolfpack was in desperate need for an offensive spark. They needed their offense to gain the lead, and it would be their offense that held it. Burns scored 21 of his 29 in the 2nd half, and Horne scored 15 of his 20 after the break.

The two DJ’s combined for 65% of NC State’s offense today. They were the only 2 Wolfpack players to score in double figures.

A lot was said about Duke’s spectacular defense in the Big Dance by the commentators in the first half, but the Wolfpack’s defense had the last word, holding the Blue Devils to 32.2% shooting from the field, which was their worst shooting performance of the year.

Junior Guard Michael O’Connell was the floor general, dishing out 6 assists, with only 1 turnover, and in a crazy turn of events, he led the team with 11 rebounds.

The miracle run continues. NC State is headed back to the Final Four for the first time since 1983, and the 4th time ever.

It feels like ’83, but it also feels like something altogether unique as well. Despite what people may think, NC State didn’t need to win the ACC Tournament to go to the NCAA Tournament in 1983. This squad did, and what they have put together with the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament might just be the best run in March ever.

Heck, it feels like ’24.