North Carolina State's forward, DJ Burns Jr., showcased his resilience and determination as he led the Wolfpack to a thrilling 79-73 overtime victory against Oakland in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Burns, a 6-foot-9, 275-pound powerhouse, dominated the paint with 24 points, including a crucial putback that sparked a game-changing 9-0 run in overtime.
The Wolfpack, seeded 11th, secured their spot in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015 by overcoming the 14th-seeded Golden Grizzlies. N.C. State will now face either Marquette or Colorado in the South Region semifinals in Dallas next Friday.
After a remarkable turnaround that saw them win seven games in 12 days, including a strong showing in the ACC Tournament, N.C. State is now on the cusp of reaching the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986. Burns emphasized the team's collective effort, highlighting the contributions of all five starters and key bench players like Jayden Taylor.
Oakland, coming off a stunning upset of third-seeded Kentucky, put up a valiant fight behind Trey Townsend's 30-point performance. Despite the Golden Grizzlies' impressive display, they fell just short of becoming the first 14 seed to reach the Sweet 16 since 1997.
The game came down to the wire in regulation, with Townsend briefly giving Oakland the lead before N.C. State responded in overtime. The Wolfpack's defensive pressure forced critical turnovers, ultimately sealing the hard-fought victory.
While N.C. State will once again be labeled as underdogs in their upcoming matchup, Burns and his teammates remain undeterred. Embracing their role, they are focused on staying united and proving their doubters wrong. The Wolfpack's unexpected success in the tournament has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike, solidifying their status as a team to watch.
As N.C. State prepares for the next challenge in their March Madness journey, the resilient spirit and unwavering determination displayed by Burns and his teammates continue to define their remarkable postseason run.
For more NCAA Tournament coverage and the latest bracket updates, visit the AP March Madness bracket and stay tuned to AP's March Madness coverage.
