Instant observations: NC State rolls past Syracuse to advance to ACC tournament quarters

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Nov 23, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard DJ Horne (0) awaits a free throw attempt by the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

WASHINGTON — NC State entered the second round of the ACC tournament looking to avenge a regular season sweep by Syracuse. It was in a similar situation a year ago against Clemson, but the Tigers were able to take round three. This time around? It took care of business to send the Orange home from the nation’s capital after one game. NC State used a massive second-half run to down Syracuse 83-65 on Wednesday night at Capital One Arena to advance to the ACC quarterfinals Thursday. NC State’s win over the Orange marked Wolfpack coach Kevin Keatts’ first time winning multiple games at the ACC tournament in his seven year tenure with the red and white. Junior guard Jayden Taylor led the way with a team-high 18 points, while graduate forward DJ Burns had 15 points. Graduate guard DJ Horne scored 16 points in his return to the court, while graduate guard Michael O’Connell chipped in with 16.