Duke and North Carolina State, rivals in the ACC, are gearing up for their third encounter this month, marking a significant shift in fortunes compared to just four weeks ago. The once-struggling Wolfpack (25-14) have undergone a remarkable turnaround, now exhibiting a determined attitude as they prepare to face the fourth-seeded Blue Devils (27-8) in Dallas. The victor of this clash, competing for the South Region title, will secure a coveted spot in the Final Four.
Entering the game as the 11th seed, NC State rides an impressive eight-game winning streak, reaching the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986 after a 67-58 triumph over second-seeded Marquette. Following a directionless start to the season, the Wolfpack experienced a notable upswing after a string of losses, including a 79-64 setback against Duke on March 4. However, their fortunes drastically changed during the ACC tournament, where they clinched the championship with five consecutive victories, including a 74-69 win over Duke in the quarterfinals on March 14.
Despite facing skepticism from critics, NC State coach Kevin Keatts underscores the significance of their winning streak, highlighting each victory as essentially an elimination game. Beyond their improved gameplay, the team’s cohesion and ability to handle pressure situations have also significantly improved. Guard Casey Morsell emphasizes their defensive strength and knack for forcing turnovers, attributing their success to collective effort and strategic adjustments.
On the other side, Duke’s path to the Elite Eight involved a hard-fought 54-51 victory over top-seeded Houston. Reflecting on their previous encounters with NC State, Duke coach Jon Scheyer acknowledges the Wolfpack’s transformation into a formidable defensive unit, particularly adept at creating turnovers. Despite NC State’s resurgence, Duke remains focused on their strengths, with guard Jeremy Roach stressing the importance of self-belief and maintaining defensive intensity. Roach, averaging 14.3 points per game in the NCAA Tournament despite playing with a dislocated finger, emphasizes the need for the Blue Devils to stay composed against a resurgent NC State team.
Key performers for Duke include Jared McCain, leading with an average of 17.3 points in the tournament, while Mohamed Diarra and DJ Horne have been instrumental for NC State, delivering strong performances in recent games.
