Jayden Taylor, NC State Wolfpack, Duke Blue Devils, NC State MBB, Spectacular Magazine
Sports

Upset Alert: NC State Shocks Duke, Sending Blue Devils Home Empty-Handed

Ashlynn Dotson @ashlynndotson @SpecMagSports

Washington, D.C- Duke’s journey in the ACC Tournament came to an unexpected and disappointing end as they suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of NC State. The Blue Devils, once a strong force in the tournament, failed to secure a single victory for the first time since 2013, falling short in a hard-fought battle against the Wolfpack with a score of 74-69.

In a game that showcased the unpredictability and excitement of college basketball, NC State delivered a exceptional performance, defying the odds and overcoming fatigue from playing their third consecutive game & others from fasting due to Ramadan.

Throughout the game, NC State capitalized on crucial opportunities, building an early lead and maintaining their momentum despite Duke’s attempts to stage a comeback. 

NC State’s victory was fueled by their dominance beyond the arc, making seven of 16 3-pointers compared to Duke’s five of 20, and their superiority in second-chance points, outscoring Duke 18-8 in that regard. Despite a strong effort from Kyle Filipowski, who tallied 28 points and 14 rebounds for the Blue Devils, Duke struggled to find their offensive rhythm, particularly from the perimeter.

In the aftermath of the game, Duke’s lack of production from the backcourt and bench became glaringly apparent, with the starting backcourt only managing to score 23 points on 25% shooting, and the bench contributing a mere four shot attempts in 19 minutes of play. Despite standout performances from Filipowski and Mark Mitchell, Duke’s veterans emphasized the need for their team to seize every opportunity and approach each game with intensity and determination.

As NC State celebrates their historic achievement in advancing to the semifinals, Duke must regroup and reflect on their performance, addressing areas of improvement ahead of the upcoming NCAA Tournament. While the loss serves as a setback for the Blue Devils, it also provides an opportunity for growth as they strive to bounce back stronger.