Following the surprising upset by the NC State Wolfpack over Stanford in the Sweet 16, coach Wes Moore showed up at the postgame press conference with slicked-back hair, jokingly proclaiming, “Just call me Elvis.”
During his media availability the next day, Moore reiterated his Elvis reference, hoping for a repeat performance. Fortunately for NC State, “Elvis has not left the building.”
The Wolfpack started off behind 4-0 and exchanged the lead with Texas in the first quarter. However, they took control with a 6-0 run towards the end of the quarter, sealed with a 3-point shot from Aziaha James. This set the tone for their 76-66 victory.
Moore expressed a mix of emotions and thoughts, reflecting on the program’s history and the journey of the current players, ultimately celebrating their Final Four berth.
NC State will now face No. 1 seed South Carolina in the national semifinals, marking their second Final Four appearance in program history and Moore’s first in Division I coaching.
Behind a stellar performance from James, who set a program record with seven 3-pointers, the Wolfpack dominated Texas. Their speed and transition game overwhelmed the Longhorns, securing the win.
As the underdogs once again, NC State has defied expectations and aims to reach their first national championship game in program history.
With both the men’s and women’s teams advancing to the Final Four, it’s a historic moment for NC State basketball.
Required reading
(Photo: Soobum Im / Getty Images)