In a surprising turn of events, NC State pulls off a stunning upset against second-seeded Duke in the ACC tournament quarterfinals. Despite Duke’s reputation and double-bye as top seed, the Blue Devils couldn’t find their rhythm, missing their first nine field-goal attempts.
Duke sophomore Kyle Filipowski put up an impressive 28 points and 14 rebounds, but NC State’s defense proved to be too much in the second half. NC State maintained their winning streak, following victories over Louisville and Syracuse.
NC State’s strong 3-point shooting and the return of guard DJ Horne from injury were key factors in their halftime lead. Horne even scored a buzzer-beater at the end of the first half. Duke attempted a late comeback in the second half but couldn’t take the lead.
In the end, NC State held on to secure a 74-69 win, advancing to face the winner of the Virginia vs. Boston College game in the next round of the tournament. This victory marks a significant moment for NC State as they continue their impressive run in the ACC tournament. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds.
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