By ETT 
NC State Basketball Wins First ACC Tournament Since 1987
After a 35-year drought, the NC State Wolfpack have finally claimed the ACC Tournament title once more. The thrilling victory on Sunday marks a historic moment for the program and its passionate fan base.
A Cinderella Run
The Wolfpack’s triumph was nothing short of remarkable. Entering the tournament as a 10th seed, they defied expectations by knocking off higher-ranked opponents one after the other.
NC State’s Cinderella run began with a thrilling overtime victory over the seventh-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They followed that up with a dominant performance against the second-seeded Virginia Cavaliers, advancing to the semifinals.
In the semifinals, the Wolfpack faced a formidable opponent in the third-seeded Duke Blue Devils. Despite being heavy underdogs, NC State played with heart and determination, pulling off a stunning upset in overtime.
A Hard-Earned Victory
In the championship game, NC State faced yet another powerhouse opponent: the top-seeded Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies entered the game with a 15-game winning streak and were favored to win.
However, the Wolfpack refused to be intimidated. They played with grit and tenacity, matching the Hokies every step of the way. The game went down to the wire, with NC State ultimately securing the victory by a score of 73-69.
Key Players
Several players stepped up for the Wolfpack in their championship run. Senior guard Dereon Seabron led the way, averaging 18.7 points per game in the tournament. Sophomore forward Terquavion Smith also played a crucial role, providing scoring and rebounding.
In the championship game, it was junior guard Jarkel Joiner who shone brightest. Joiner scored a team-high 19 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with just seconds remaining.
A New Era for NC State Basketball
NC State’s ACC Tournament victory is a testament to the hard work and determination of the team and coaching staff. It also marks a new era for Wolfpack basketball under head coach Kevin Keatts.
Keatts, who is now in his sixth season at NC State, has brought a sense of excitement and a winning culture back to the program. The Wolfpack’s first ACC Tournament title since 1987 is a clear sign that the future is bright for NC State basketball.
Legacy and Impact
The Wolfpack’s ACC Tournament triumph has a profound impact on the program and its legacy. It is a victory that will be remembered for generations to come and will inspire future teams to reach for greatness.
Furthermore, the victory has reignited the passion of the Wolfpack fan base, who have endured years of ups and downs. With a young and talented team returning next season, NC State basketball is poised to make a lasting mark on the ACC and beyond.
Conclusion
NC State’s victory in the ACC Tournament is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief. The Wolfpack defied expectations and overcame adversity to claim their first ACC title in over three decades. This historic victory is a testament to the hard work of the players, coaches, and fans, and it is sure to be remembered for years to come.
