North Carolina State Reaches First Final Four In Decades

Duke's Jared McCain, center, drives against North Carolina State's Ben Middlebrooks (34) and Casey Morsell (14) during the second half of an Elite Eight college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament

In a thrilling South Region final, 11th-seeded North Carolina State secured a spot in the Final Four by defeating Atlantic Coast Conference rival Duke with a score of 76-64. This victory marks N.C. State's first Final Four appearance in four decades, a significant milestone for the program.

Leading the charge for the Wolfpack was DJ Burns Jr., who delivered a stellar performance with a season-high 29 points. DJ Horne also made a notable contribution with 20 points, propelling N.C. State to victory.

N.C. State's journey to the Final Four has been nothing short of remarkable. After a challenging regular season, where they lost seven of nine games, the Wolfpack rallied with a nine-game winning streak. Their resilience was on full display as they clinched a spot in the NCAA Tournament by winning five games in five days during the ACC Tournament.

DJ Burns Jr. scores 29 points, DJ Horne adds 20 in the victory.

North Carolina State beats Duke 76-64 to reach the Final Four.

Wolfpack's first Final Four appearance in 40 years.

N.C. State overcame a challenging regular season with a nine-game winning streak.

Defeated Duke with strong defense, limiting them to 32.2% shooting.

Next faces Purdue in the national semifinal game in Glendale, Arizona.

Fans chant 'Why not us?' as N.C. State aims for national championship.

March Madness journey showcases Wolfpack's perseverance and unity.

Anticipation builds for the thrilling N.C. State vs. Purdue matchup.

Stay updated on NCAA Tournament and March Madness with AP coverage.

The game against Duke was a hard-fought battle, with the Wolfpack overcoming a halftime deficit to secure a double-digit lead in the second half. Despite Duke's efforts, N.C. State's strong defensive performance limited their opponent to a season-worst shooting percentage of 32.2%.

With this victory, N.C. State now sets its sights on the Final Four in Glendale, Arizona, where they will face off against Purdue in the national semifinal game. The Wolfpack's success has reignited the team's spirit and unity, as they aim to make history and potentially compete for the national championship.

As the Wolfpack celebrates their historic win, fans are filled with excitement and optimism, chanting 'Why not us?' in anticipation of what lies ahead. N.C. State's remarkable journey serves as a testament to their perseverance and determination, showcasing the true essence of March Madness.

Looking ahead, the matchup between N.C. State and Purdue promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams vie for a spot in the championship game. The stage is set for an epic showdown, and basketball fans eagerly await the next chapter in this captivating tournament.

For more updates on the NCAA Tournament and March Madness, visit the official AP March Madness bracket and coverage.

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