Simply over two weeks in the past, NC State shocked the faculty basketball world as a double-digit underdog, taking down Duke within the quarterfinals of the ACC event to win its third recreation in three days and preserve its season improbably alive. The Wolfpack received’t be fairly as huge an underdog this time it takes on the Blue Devils within the Elite Eight, however a win will proceed what has been one of many hottest, most unexpected runs in event historical past.
The Wolfpack grabbed a 9-7 lead earlier than the primary media timeout of their Candy 16 tilt on Friday evening and by no means regarded again, comfortably downing No. 2 seed Marquette 67-58. It was a commanding defensive efficiency, holding a flexible Golden Eagle assault to an Adjusted Offensive Ranking of 86.8, its worst outing of the season, per BartTorvik.com. It was additionally the seventh consecutive recreation holding opponents beneath 35 % from 3-point vary. Opponents are taking pictures 28.8 % from distance throughout the previous eight video games, down from 35.2 % it gave up earlier than the streak.
Duke, for its half, is seeking to present that ACC event outcome was much less indicative than the 15-point street victory over the Wolfpack on March 4. The Blue Devils’ protection has been dominant within the NCAA Event, highlighted by stifling a Houston staff that had misplaced its chief in Jamal Shead within the first half to harm. Duke has not allowed any tourney opponent to shoot an efficient subject aim share over 43.3, and posted three straight Adjusted Defensive Scores beneath 86, after doing so simply three different instances this season.
On the offensive facet, Duke has gotten well timed contributions from quite a few gamers by its first three video games, with Kyle Filipowski pouring in 16 factors in opposition to Houston, Jared McCain 30 in opposition to James Madison, and Mark Mitchell 15 in opposition to Vermont. Filipowski led the Blue Devils of their final tilt with the Wolfpack, whereas Jeremy Roach paced Duke with 21 of their first assembly. That’s to say, Duke’s top-10 rated offense is assorted in each strategy and contributions.
With a win, NC State would attain its first Last 4 since 1983 and have in-state bragging rights for years. Duke is seeking to give coach Jon Scheyer his first Last 4 look in simply his second season on the helm.
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Duke vs. North Carolina State knowledgeable picks: Unfold, odds, projections for Elite Eight matchup