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NC State Upsets No. 6 Duke, Keeps Tournament Hopes Alive

Landon Bost

RALEIGH –  The N.C. State Wolfpack needed their 88-66 upset, blowout victory against the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils at PNC Arena Wednesday night, Feb. 19,  more than anything for their tournament hopes.

NC State senior guard Markell Johnson and junior guard Devon Daniels led the way for the Wolfpack. Johnson finished with 28 points and Daniels set his new career-high with 25 points. Duke played tight defense on the perimeter which led to easy driving lanes for the Wolfpack.

“That was a part of the scout. We went over how they play defense – how they try and get out on your and pressure you – and how there were going to be open lanes. We just tried to take advantage of that.”

After N.C. State’s loss against Boston College last Saturday, ESPN men’s basketball bracketologist Joe Lunardi has NC State in the next four out in his latest projection of the NCAA Tournament.  

“It’s a very good win for us,” said Keatts, “It’s a win that we needed because obviously we just lost one on the road. So, excited for our guys. We talked about the last couple of days what a great opportunity this would be, and we stepped up to the challenge.”

NC State junior forward D.J. Funderburk finished with 21 points. The Blue Devils had two players score in double-figures – Vernon Carey 27, and Tre Jones 17 – and the Wolfpack had three players with 20+ points.

“We got guys that can really score the ball,” said N.C. State senior C.J. Bryce, “You can see now that anyone can get going on any night. We’re all in the gym working on our games, and it’s showing on the floor. I had an off night tonight from the floor, but I was able to defend and do other things.”

What’s Next 

The Blue Devils return home and host the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cameron Indoor Stadium Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m.

The Wolfpack looks for another quadrant 1 win as they host the No. 8 Florida State Seminoles at PNC Arena Saturday, Feb. 22, at 4 p.m. 

“We need a little rest,” Keatts said, “and it’s a short turnaround. So I’m going to get with my staff after I leave here and try to decide what we’re going to do. We’re probably going to take some time and do some yoga tomorrow.”

(Feature image courtesy of Landon Bost)