In a stunning turn of events, second-seeded Duke faced a setback in their pursuit of back-to-back ACC tournament championships with a 74-69 quarterfinal loss to North Carolina State on Thursday in Washington D.C. Let’s break down the implications of this upset for Duke’s March Madness aspirations.
Shocking Loss Ends Duke’s Streak
Duke’s defeat marks a significant departure from their recent dominance in ACC tournament openers, with their last loss dating back to 2013. The early exit casts doubt on their seeding and momentum heading into the NCAA tournament.
Offensive Struggles Plague Blue Devils
Duke’s offensive woes were evident from the start, as they missed their first nine field-goal attempts. Despite a standout performance from sophomore Kyle Filipowski, who tallied 28 points and 14 rebounds, the team failed to find its rhythm against NC State’s resilient defense.
NC State’s Resilience Shines Through
In contrast, North Carolina State capitalized on their momentum from previous victories, including wins over Louisville and Syracuse. The Wolfpack’s sharp shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, propelled them to a halftime lead and ultimately secured the upset victory.
Key Contributions from NC State Players
Guard DJ Horne’s return from injury provided a crucial boost for NC State, as he contributed 12 points in the first half, including a buzzer-beater. Horne’s clutch free throws in the closing seconds sealed the win for the Wolfpack, highlighting their depth and composure under pressure.
Late Drama and Missed Opportunities
Duke mounted a late rally in the final seconds, fueled by missed opportunities from NC State. However, costly errors, including missed free throws and defensive lapses, allowed the Wolfpack to maintain their lead and secure the upset victory.
Looking Ahead for NC State
With three consecutive wins under their belt, North Carolina State advances to face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Virginia and Boston College. Their resilient performance in the ACC tournament positions them as a formidable contender moving forward.
A Stunning Upset
North Carolina State’s triumph over Duke sends shockwaves through the ACC tournament and sets the stage for an unpredictable Duke’s March Madness. As Duke regroups and NC State prepares for their next challenge, basketball fans await the unfolding drama of college basketball’s most exhilarating event.
Just a reminder, this team’s NET rank was 33, beat #6 Duke in late February, and went 1-0 in their conference tourney (next game was canceled) but was still held out of March Madness.
Today is must win pic.twitter.com/ajTRZd2533
β α°π»πΆππΉπΌπ (@BPage15) March 14, 2024
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