Instant observation: NC State moves to ACC tournament final with OT win over Virginia

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Mar 15, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Reece Beekman (2) holds the ball as North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Mohamed Diarra (23) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

WASHINGTON — NC State seemed to be dead in the water in the waning minute against Virginia, but as they have all week, the Wolfpack fought back. The red and white trailed by 6 in the final minute of the game, but it forced overtime with a buzzer-beater three from graduate guard Michael O'Connell. Then, the Pack asserted itself in the paint to pull away with a 73-65 win over Virginia in the ACC tournament semifinals on Friday night at Capital One Arena. NC State advanced to its first ACC tournament final since the 2007 season. Graduate forward DJ Burns led the way with 19 points, while junior forward Ben Middlebrooks added a dozen. The Wolfpack had four other players chip in with at least 9 points.