DJ Horne led North Carolina State to a 67-58 victory over Marquette, propelling the Wolfpack to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986. Horne's 19 points, along with Casey Morsell's 15 points and Mohamed Diarra's 11 points and 15 rebounds, secured N.C. State's eighth consecutive win since the ACC Tournament.
The Wolfpack, seeded 11th in the South Region, are on a remarkable run, facing Duke next in an all-ACC showdown for a spot in the Final Four. This achievement marks a significant milestone for N.C. State, reminiscent of their 1974 national championship win against Marquette.
Coach Kevin Keatts has guided this underdog team, emphasizing the program's rich history and legacy. The Wolfpack's dominant performance was highlighted by DJ Burns Jr.'s impactful play, contributing a spinning layup and five assists.
Marquette, the No. 2 seed, struggled with poor shooting, going 4 of 31 from beyond the arc and shooting 33.3% overall. Despite Kam Jones' 20 points and Tyler Kolek's 17 points and 10 rebounds, the Golden Eagles couldn't overcome their offensive woes.
Shaka Smart, Marquette's coach, expressed disappointment over the loss, acknowledging the team's defensive shortcomings. N.C. State's balanced scoring and resilient defense proved crucial in securing the victory.
The Wolfpack's journey to the Elite Eight echoes their past successes in the 1980s, with notable appearances in 1985 and 1986. As they prepare to face Duke, N.C. State aims to continue their historic run and potentially secure a spot in the Final Four.
Despite initial doubts about their Cinderella status, N.C. State's determination and team chemistry have propelled them to the brink of a remarkable achievement. The Wolfpack's unwavering belief in their abilities and commitment to their roles have been instrumental in their recent success.
As the tournament progresses, N.C. State remains focused on making history and honoring their storied legacy. With each victory, they inch closer to potentially replicating the glory of their past championship triumphs.
