College Sports

Photos: NC State men’s basketball heads to Final Four after defeating Duke

By Scott Sharpe
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. reacts following an and-one in the second half of the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. reacts following an and-one in the second half of the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com

The NC State Wolfpack defeated the Duke Blue Devils 76-64 in the NCAA Tournament to earn a trip to the Final Four, Sunday, March 31, 2024.

NC State dominated the second half behind center DJ Burns to extend the Wolfpack’s improbable run to the national title.

The Wolfpack men advance to the Final Four for the first time since 1983. Hours earlier, the Wolfpack women won their Elite Eight game to also win a spot in the Final Four.

Check back for more photos from News & Observer photojournalists Ethan Hyman, Kaitilin McKeown, Robert Willett and Travis Long.

N.C. State’s KJ Keatts, center, and team celebrate after placing their name on the Final Four poster after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s KJ Keatts, center, and team celebrate after placing their name on the Final Four poster after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. celebrates with the band after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. celebrates with the band after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) holds the South Regional trophy after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) holds the South Regional trophy after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts and his players accept the NCAA South Regional Championship trophy in a shower of confetti following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts and his players accept the NCAA South Regional Championship trophy in a shower of confetti following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The team dumps confetti after their 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
The team dumps confetti after their 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts and his players accept the NCAA South Regional Championship trophy in a shower of confetti following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts and his players accept the NCAA South Regional Championship trophy in a shower of confetti following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks holds up the South Regional trophy after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks holds up the South Regional trophy after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s head coach Kevin Keatts waves the net after after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s head coach Kevin Keatts waves the net after after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s head coach Kevin Keatts walks back to the locker room after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s head coach Kevin Keatts walks back to the locker room after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) hoists the NCAA South Regional Championship trophy following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke, securing a spot in the Final Four on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) hoists the NCAA South Regional Championship trophy following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke, securing a spot in the Final Four on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. reacts following an and-one in the second half of the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. reacts following an and-one in the second half of the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Mohamed Diarra (23) acknowledges fans as he cuts down the net following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke, clinching the NCAA South Regional final and securing a spot in the Final Four on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Mohamed Diarra (23) acknowledges fans as he cuts down the net following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke, clinching the NCAA South Regional final and securing a spot in the Final Four on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts celebrates the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke, clinching the NCAA South Regional final and securing a spot in the Final Four on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts celebrates the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke, clinching the NCAA South Regional final and securing a spot in the Final Four on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts acknowledges fans as he climbs the ladder to cut down the net following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke, clinching the NCAA South Regional final and securing a spot in the Final Four on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts acknowledges fans as he climbs the ladder to cut down the net following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke, clinching the NCAA South Regional final and securing a spot in the Final Four on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Jayden Taylor celebrates as he leaves the court following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s Jayden Taylor celebrates as he leaves the court following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) embraces coach Kevin Keatts as the final second of the second half expire, celebrating the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) embraces coach Kevin Keatts as the final second of the second half expire, celebrating the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Breon Pass celebrates following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s Breon Pass celebrates following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ernest Ross (24), Ben Middlebrooks (34) and D.J. Horne (0) celebrate their 76-64 victory over Duke in the NCAA South Regional final, securing a spot in the Final 4, on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s Ernest Ross (24), Ben Middlebrooks (34) and D.J. Horne (0) celebrate their 76-64 victory over Duke in the NCAA South Regional final, securing a spot in the Final 4, on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns, Jr. and Michael O’Connell celebrate in the second half of the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns, Jr. and Michael O’Connell celebrate in the second half of the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) shoots as Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) defends during N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) shoots as Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) defends during N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State’s DJ Burns and Michael McConnell celebrate a Wolfpack basket late in the NCAA Elite 8 game against Duke.
NC State’s DJ Burns and Michael McConnell celebrate a Wolfpack basket late in the NCAA Elite 8 game against Duke. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State fans celebrate at the Memorial Belltower on campus after the men’s basketball team’s 76-64 win over Duke to advance to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
NC State fans celebrate at the Memorial Belltower on campus after the men’s basketball team’s 76-64 win over Duke to advance to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s KJ Keatts takes a photo of the NCAA Tournament South Regional Champion trophy in the locker room following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s KJ Keatts takes a photo of the NCAA Tournament South Regional Champion trophy in the locker room following the Wolfpack’s 76-64 win over Duke on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
NC State’s DJ Burns dances during a timeout late in the Wolfpack’s game against Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite 8.
NC State’s DJ Burns dances during a timeout late in the Wolfpack’s game against Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite 8. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Wolfpack fans behind the N.C. State bench celebrate as they take a second half lead over Duke during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Wolfpack fans behind the N.C. State bench celebrate as they take a second half lead over Duke during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
NC state fans at Players’ Retreat in Raleigh celebrate a Wolfpack lead against Duke during the second half of the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
NC state fans at Players’ Retreat in Raleigh celebrate a Wolfpack lead against Duke during the second half of the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Casey Morsell (14) and Michael O’Connell (12) celebrate with DJ Burns Jr. (30) after Burns made the basket while being fouled during N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Casey Morsell (14) and Michael O’Connell (12) celebrate with DJ Burns Jr. (30) after Burns made the basket while being fouled during N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State fans run on Hillsborough Street after the men’s basketball team’s 76-64 win over Duke to advance to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
NC State fans run on Hillsborough Street after the men’s basketball team’s 76-64 win over Duke to advance to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Wolfpack fans cheer on the team during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Wolfpack fans cheer on the team during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State holds up the South Regional championship trophy after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State holds up the South Regional championship trophy after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) collides with Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) under the basket in the second half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) collides with Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) under the basket in the second half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
NC State fans celebrate at the Memorial Belltower on campus after the men’s basketball team’s 76-64 win over Duke to advance to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
NC State fans celebrate at the Memorial Belltower on campus after the men’s basketball team’s 76-64 win over Duke to advance to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Fans congratulate N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) as he walks off the court after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Fans congratulate N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) as he walks off the court after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) and Ernest Ross (24) pose after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) and Ernest Ross (24) pose after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) holds up a piece of th net after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) holds up a piece of th net after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Horne (0) shoots over Duke’s Jaylen Blakes (2) in the second half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s D.J. Horne (0) shoots over Duke’s Jaylen Blakes (2) in the second half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts hugs Michael O’Connell (12) after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts hugs Michael O’Connell (12) after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State fans celebrate at the Memorial Belltower on campus after the men’s basketball team’s 76-64 win over Duke to advance to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
NC State fans celebrate at the Memorial Belltower on campus after the men’s basketball team’s 76-64 win over Duke to advance to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Horne (0) drives against Duke’s Jaylen Blakes (2) in the second half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s D.J. Horne (0) drives against Duke’s Jaylen Blakes (2) in the second half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) fights for a rebound with Duke’s Jared McCain (0) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) fights for a rebound with Duke’s Jared McCain (0) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) dunks over Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) in the second half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) dunks over Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) in the second half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) puts up a shot over Duke’s Ryan Young (15) in the first half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) puts up a shot over Duke’s Ryan Young (15) in the first half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Wolfpack basketball great Julius Hodge cheers on N.C. State before the Wolfpack’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Wolfpack basketball great Julius Hodge cheers on N.C. State before the Wolfpack’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) FaceTimes with the Wolfpack women’s basketball team after their 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) FaceTimes with the Wolfpack women’s basketball team after their 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Wolfpack fans cheer on a basket during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Wolfpack fans cheer on a basket during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) slams in two during N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) slams in two during N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Horne drives to the basket against Duke’s Mark Mitchell during the first half of the Wolfpack’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
N.C. State’s DJ Horne drives to the basket against Duke’s Mark Mitchell during the first half of the Wolfpack’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) greets fans as he walks off the court after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) greets fans as he walks off the court after the Wolfpack’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Casey Morsell (14) knocks the ball from Duke’s Jeremy Roach (3) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Casey Morsell (14) knocks the ball from Duke’s Jeremy Roach (3) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Horne holds up a piece of the net after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Horne holds up a piece of the net after N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. celebrates with head coach Kevin Keatts in the final seconds of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. celebrates with head coach Kevin Keatts in the final seconds of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) celebrates after taking a charge during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) celebrates after taking a charge during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Jaylen Blakes (2) secures an offensive rebound over N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) in the first half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Duke’s Jaylen Blakes (2) secures an offensive rebound over N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) in the first half during the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) and N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) go up for the opening tip in the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) and N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) go up for the opening tip in the NCAA South Regional final on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) blocks the shot by Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) as N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) also defends during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) blocks the shot by Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) as N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) also defends during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State football coach Dave Doeren (center) flashes the Wolfpack sign as he cheers for State against Duke in the NCAA Elite 8 game, Saturday, March 31, 2024.
NC State football coach Dave Doeren (center) flashes the Wolfpack sign as he cheers for State against Duke in the NCAA Elite 8 game, Saturday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra kicks around the basketball with KJ Keatts during warmups before N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra kicks around the basketball with KJ Keatts during warmups before N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) defends Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) defends Duke’s Kyle Filipowski (30) during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) celebrates with Ben Middlebrooks (34) during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) celebrates with Ben Middlebrooks (34) during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts reacts after a technical foul was called on him during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts reacts after a technical foul was called on him during the second half of N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Jordan Snell (22) and N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) celebrate as time expires in N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
N.C. State’s Jordan Snell (22) and N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) celebrate as time expires in N.C. State’s 76-64 victory over Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
A Wolfpack fan holds up a sign as Duke warms up before N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024.
A Wolfpack fan holds up a sign as Duke warms up before N.C. State’s game against Duke in their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published March 31, 2024 at 5:47 PM.

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