NC State vs. Duke in Elite 8: 3 thoughts, a bold prediction and more

fleischman_noah

Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Jayden Taylor (1) celebrates with guard Michael O'Connell (12) during the first half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Marquette Golden Eagles at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS — NC State traveled more than 1,100 miles for a chance to play its way into the Final Four for the first time since 1983. And as it turns out, it is going to play a squad that is located just 23.9 miles from its campus: 4-seed Duke. The Wolfpack, which has never played the Blue Devils in the NCAA Tournament in program history, now has the chance to punch its ticket to next week’s festivities in Phoenix with a win over its rival from Durham. Here are three thoughts, a bold prediction and more ahead of the Elite Eight bout on Sunday afternoon at the American Airlines Center.