The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Basketball Tournament witnessed a massive upset on Thursday night, throwing the championship race wide open. In a classic David vs. Goliath battle, the unheralded No. 10 seed NC State Wolfpack pulled off a stunning 74-69 victory over the heavily favoured No. 2 seed Duke Blue Devils, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world.
This wasn’t just any upset; it was a complete dismantling of expectations. Duke, boasting a stellar 24-8 record and boasting a recent win over NC State, looked poised for a deep tournament run. But the Wolfpack, playing their third game in as many days, displayed incredible heart and hustle, defying the odds and silencing the doubters.
Wolfpack Bite Down on Second Chances
The key to NC State’s success lies in its domination of the second-chance points battle. Just ten days prior, Duke had dominated the Wolfpack on the glass, securing a 22-14 advantage in second-chance points. However, on Thursday, the script flipped dramatically. NC State outrebounded Duke on the offensive end, converting second chances into crucial points.
“Back in Raleigh, they really kicked our butts on the glass, and we decided we weren’t going for that today,” declared NC State’s big man, D.J. Burns Jr., after the game. The Wolfpack’s determination on the boards proved to be a major factor in their upset victory.
Pack Mentality Leads the Charge
While Kyle Filipowski led Duke with a valiant 28-point, 14-rebound performance, NC State countered with a balanced offensive attack. DJ Horne emerged as the Wolfpack’s leader, scoring 18 points including some clutch free throws down the stretch. Four other NC State players reached double figures, showcasing the team’s depth and collective spirit.
This “pack mentality” was evident throughout the game. The Wolfpack displayed contagious energy on both ends of the court, hustling for loose balls and making hustle plays that demoralized the Blue Devils. Head Coach Kevin Keatts deserves immense credit for instilling this tenacious attitude within his squad.
Blue Devils Left Frustrated
For Duke, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Coach Jon Scheyer, in his first year at the helm, watched his team’s title aspirations vanish in an instant. Filipowski’s impressive performance was overshadowed by the Wolfpack’s relentless energy and an opportunistic offence.
This defeat will undoubtedly raise questions about Duke’s overall consistency. Despite boasting talented players, the Blue Devils struggled to maintain their composure throughout the game, particularly in the crucial closing minutes.
Wolfpack Dream Marches On
Meanwhile, NC State’s victory has breathed new life into their season. The Wolfpack, who finished the regular season with a mediocre 20-14 record, now find themselves two wins away from an improbable ACC championship title. Their upset win over Duke has not only secured their place in the NCAA Tournament but has also propelled them into the national spotlight.
The Wolfpack now face the winner of the Virginia-Boston College matchup in the ACC semifinals. A win there would propel them into the championship game, a scenario that seemed unthinkable just a few days ago.
Upset Fever Grips the Nation
NC State’s victory over Duke is just the latest example of the unpredictable nature of March Madness. The “Big Dance” is renowned for its upsets and Cinderella stories, and this year is no different. This win adds to a growing list of upsets in the ACC Tournament, showcasing the conference’s depth and competitiveness.
College basketball fans across the nation are now eagerly awaiting Selection Sunday, where the brackets for the NCAA Tournament will be revealed. NC State’s momentum will make them a compelling team to watch, and their upset over Duke has served as a warning to all top-seeded teams: no victory is guaranteed in the madness of March.
This unexpected turn of events throws the ACC Tournament wide open. With Duke out of the picture, the path to the championship is now clear for other contenders. Will NC State continue their Cinderella run? Or will another team rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: March Madness is living up to its name, and college basketball fans are in for a thrilling ride.