NC State basketball has achieved a significant milestone by advancing to the championship game of the ACC Tournament for the first time in 15 years. The 10th-seeded Wolfpack’s impressive performance at the 71st edition of the event culminated in a hard-fought 73-65 overtime victory against Virginia at Capital One Arena.
In a remarkable turn of events, Michael O’Connell’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer paved the way for a tense and exciting overtime period, while DJ Burns’ stellar performance on the court propelled the Wolfpack through to the title game. Burns scored 19 points and led the charge for NC State alongside three other players who reached double figures in the game. O’Connell and Ben Middlebrooks made significant contributions with 12 points each, while Casey Morsell added 11 points to the total score.
The Wolfpack, which has clinched 10 ACC championships in the past, now has the opportunity to secure its 11th ACC Tournament championship, a feat not achieved since the victory in Landover, Maryland, in 1987. Their upcoming title game against rival North Carolina presents an opportunity to reclaim the championship, with hopes of replicating the triumph of the 1987 win against the Tar Heels at the Capital Centre.
The highly-anticipated match-up, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Saturday night in the nation’s capital, will mark a momentous occasion as the Wolfpack faces off against the Tar Heels, breaking a decade-long absence from the ACC Tournament. The game is sure to be a sight to behold as both teams strive for victory in the championship game.
Will NC State basketball, having already made history in D.C., further solidify their incredible journey with a victory in the ACC Tournament? Following their remarkable and resilient run, anticipation and excitement for the title game is palpable among fans and players alike.
With UNC basketball also in the running for the ACC Tournament title and a possible No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the championship game promises to be an electrifying clash between two storied rivals. The Wolfpack and Tar Heels’ long-standing rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the game, as both teams vie for ACC Tournament glory.
Moving forward, the championship game is poised to be an exhilarating spectacle, showcasing the incredible skill and determination of both teams. History in the making, the game will certainly be one to remember for fans of college basketball.
For more insights and analysis on NC State basketball and the ACC Tournament, stay tuned to the latest coverage by staff writer Rodd Baxley, who can be reached at [email protected] or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.