N.C. State Wolfpack secures ACC Tournament Title, earns NCAA Berth with Upset Victory over No. 4 UNC

In a stunning turn of events, N.C. State emerged victorious over the formidable No. 4 North Carolina, seizing the ACC Tournament crown and cementing their place in the NCAA tournament. This remarkable upset on the hardwood marked a historic moment as N.C. State punched their ticket to the NCAA tournament, showcasing their resilience and earning well-deserved recognition among the elite of college basketball.

The electrifying showdown saw DJ Horne leading the charge with an impressive 29 points, supported by forward DJ Burns Jr., who contributed 20 points, including his debut 3-pointer in college. The victory, secured with a score of 84-76, came after a relentless effort by the tenth-seeded N.C. State team, dethroning the heavily favored Tar Heels.

The job is done. The wait is over.

After a historic run of five wins in five days, NC State is the ACC Champion in men's basketball for the first time since 1987 with an 85-76 win over UNC!https://t.co/6B9uEiHXF0

— Pack Pride (@PackPride) March 17, 2024

Despite facing foul trouble, Horne delivered a standout performance matching UNC’s RJ Davis, the ACC player of the year, point for point. The atmosphere in the arena reached a fever pitch as chants of “DJ Horne! DJ Horne!” reverberated through the crowd, rallying behind the star player as he fouled out with just over a minute remaining.

Reflecting on the triumph, Horne expressed his disbelief, saying, “I can’t even put it into words right now. Just a week ago, it was looking like our season was about to be over, and here we are now, man, on top of the world.”

Under the guidance of Coach Kevin Keatts, N.C. State secured the ACC Tournament title for the first time since 1987, fulfilling the coach’s emphasis on the importance of winning the tournament to secure an NCAA berth. This victory not only showcased their prowess but also echoed the historic triumphs of the past, reminiscent of their legendary win under Jim Valvano’s leadership.

With this win, N.C. State ensured the ACC would be well-represented in the NCAA Tournament alongside UNC, Duke, and Clemson. Despite the disappointment of the loss, UNC’s strong performance throughout the season likely secured them a top seed in March Madness.

The resilience of the Wolfpack was evident as they became the first team to win five games in the ACC Tournament, starting from the play-in round on Tuesday. Despite the grueling schedule and fatigue, N.C. State powered through, fueled by Burns’ dominant presence in the paint and an unwavering determination to succeed.

As Burns celebrated his milestone three-pointer in his 160th college game, the Wolfpack celebrated their ticket to the NCAA Tournament, ready to showcase their talent on the national stage once more.