NC State's ride continues after Sweet 16 stunner vs. Marquette

North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Casey Morsell celebrates with forward Mohamed Diarra. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

No. 11 NC State's incredible ride continues after Sweet 16 stunner against No. 2 Marquette

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/29/24

The glass slipper might fit like a glove, but don't call NC State a Cinderella. Guard DJ Horne confirmed as much following the Wolfpack's stunning upset of No. 2 Marquette, 67-58, in the Sweet 16 on Friday.

Horne responded, "Nah, not all," when asked if NC State was a Cinderella team, but he did explain what's behind the Wolfpack's magical run.

"We knew we were a good team," Horne told CBS Sports. "It was all a matter of just locking in and understanding our roles — and no better time to be doing that than now."

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1986, @PackMensBball IS HEADED TO THE ELITE 8! pic.twitter.com/6o2cFhUqbc
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 30, 2024

The No. 11-seeded Wolfpack needed a team effort to overcome Marquette, and they got it. Horne led the way with 19 points, including four three-pointers, while fellow guard Casey Morsell recorded 15 points. Likewise, forward Mohamed Diarra dominated the boards, grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds to go along with 11 points.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Marquette picked a terrible time to have a poor shooting night.

The Golden Eagles shot a putrid 33.3 percent from the field (20-of-60) and even worse from three (12.9 percent.). Despite outscoring NC State in the paint, 30-28, the Golden Eagles chucked up 31 three-pointers, making only four.

Guards Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones were about the only contributors for Marquette, combining for 37 points. The rest of the Golden Eagles squad finished the night 6-of-29 for 21 points.

For NC State, it's beginning to feel like 1983 again.

That season, legendary head coach, the late Jim Valvano, helped lead NC State to an improbable win over Houston in the NCAA Championship Game.

This year's NC State squad isn't quite there yet, but it's one step closer.

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