In the March Madness underdog N.C. State’s game, DJ Burns Jr. (left) takes on Marquette’s Oso Ighodaro in their Sweet 16 matchup at the men’s NCAA Tournament held in Dallas on Friday.
North Carolina State’s DJ Burns Jr. Shines in Men’s NCAA Tournament
DJ Burns Jr., the talented forward from North Carolina State, is basking in the limelight during the Sweet 16 game against Marquette. The cheers that greet his every move on the court fill him with joy, although he admits to seeking refuge in the locker room to avoid the media frenzy.
Despite being the standout player for North Carolina State, a surprising double-digit seed in this year’s men’s NCAA basketball tournament, the team is not your typical Cinderella story. Unlike lesser-known underdogs, N.C. State boasts a rich history, having clinched two championship titles in the past.
The Wolfpack’s tradition of defying odds dates back to their remarkable 1983 victory as a 6-seed, a moment immortalized by then-coach Jim Valvano’s jubilant court dash. Fast forward to the present, and N.C. State is once again making waves in the tournament, embodying the essence of March Madness underdog spirit.
In their Sweet 16 showdown, the 11th seed strategically defeated the No. 2 seed Marquette Golden Eagles 67-58, marking N.C. State’s first Elite Eight appearance since 1986. The Wolfpack’s journey involved winning eight consecutive elimination games after a disappointing regular season record of 17-14, leaving them reliant on an automatic bid for a chance at the NCAA tournament. This required them to triumph in five games within the ACC conference tournament to secure a spot in March Madness.
Their impressive streak propelled them to an 11th seed in the NCAA tournament, where they triumphed over 6th seed Texas Tech and 14th seed Oakland. The team’s success has solidified their position as formidable contenders against higher-ranked opponents, emphasizing the significance of their remarkable turnaround under the guidance of men’s head coach Kevin Keatts.
March Madness Underdog N.C. State’s Impressive Victory
N.C. State achieved a remarkable win against Marquette, extending their winning streak to eight games. This streak includes notable victories over powerhouse teams like the University of North Carolina and Duke, who held the top two seeds in this year’s NCAA tournament. The upcoming challenge for the Wolfpack is a face-off against Duke scheduled for Sunday.
One standout player throughout the season has been Burns, showcasing his dominance on the court. Standing tall at 6-foot-9 and reportedly weighing over 300 pounds, Burns is a formidable presence in basketball. Despite his imposing size, his coach humorously advises against comparing him to a left tackle, suggesting Burns sees himself more as a tight end in football.
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