Kevin Keatts explains DJ Burns Jr.'s first-half impact vs. Syracuse

NC State took a 35-32 lead over Syracuse into halftime of Wednesday’s second-round matchup of the ACC Tournament.

Wolfpack forward DJ Burns Jr. has been a force in the paint, logging nine points on 4 of 6 shooting while also logging two assists. Head coach Kevin Keatts revealed this to be part of NC State’s game plan coming into the contest.

“I thought our guys did a good job finding him,” Keatts said at halftime. “We thought we had an advantage going into the game and we’ve been able to get the ball inside. A couple of times, they decided to double him and he found open people. He’s playing well.”

Jayden Taylor was the only member of the Wolfpack roster to score in double figures in the first half with 10 points. Michael O’Connell had eight points at the break to lead the three-man scoring threat.

For the Orange, Judah Mintz has been the fire-starter for Syracuse against NC State. He ended the first half with a game-high 11 points but is 0-3 from beyond the arc. Both teams are shooting 30% (3 of 10) from deep thus far.

“He’s a tough matchup,” Keats said on Mintz. “We’re backing off, daring him to shoot the three but he’s got 15-foot pull-up jump shots that we’ve got to do a good job contesting.”

After a strong second-half burst from the Wolfpack, NC State took a double-digit lead over the Orange, as it has become clear it seems they’ll be the winner that will advance to the quarterfinals and face Duke on Thursday. A big upset against the Blue Devils would not only give NC State its 20th win of the season but then only two wins would separate them from an improbable conference tournament title win.

However, at 18-14 (9-11 ACC) before Wednesday’s game, fans know that NC State is going to need to win the ACC Tournament to earn its way into the 2024 NCAA Tournament. As it stands, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has four teams — North Carolina, Duke, Virginia and Clemson — from the conference within the bracket’s bubble. Win and you’re in will be the mindset for all other ACC teams still in the mix throughout the week.

Before Wednesday’s matchup, NC State drew Louisville in the first round, promptly defeating the Cardinals 94-85 to end their season at 8-24 overall despite a 36-point performance from Skyy Clark. Casey Morsell finished the game with 25 points while making all 13 of his free throws against the Cardinals.