TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Here in Raleigh, NC, where I live, we eat, sleep and breathe basketball in March. Within 20 miles of where I live, we have 3 major teams - Duke, Univ of NC and NC State Univ. 13 NCAA men’s basketball championships between them, second only to California’s 15. UNC has already secured the #4 seed in the NCAA tournament, Duke is in also, and this weekend may determine if NC State makes the cut. NC State, my Alma Mater, who last won a National championship in 1983, and only ranked 11th in the ACC conference, is on a roll. Beating Louisville, Duke, Syracuse and last night Virginia, they’ll now play UNC for the ACC championship and a berth in the NCAA.

Last night’s win over VA was just unbelievable. 7 points down with 23 seconds to go and with the VA team already celebrating, they hit 4 straight free throws and in an amazing moment, shot a Hail Mary 3 pointer from half court that was in the air when the buzzer sounded, tying the game, which they went on to win in overtime. One of the wildest/best moments I’ve ever seen in college basketball, and VA was stunned. looking forward to a great game this weekend between the two ancient rivals - the last page of my 1974 college yearbook, when we won our 1st NCAA championship, says “Go to hell Carolina” (UNC). They’re a real Cinderella team and If they can beat UNC (which is going to be VERY hard), they could replace VA in the NCAA tournament pairings. Stay tuned…

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/everybody-believes-in-this-moment-how-a-miraculous-shot-has-nc-state-in-the-acc-tournament-title-game/

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I still remember when Jimmy Valvano ran all over the court like a crazy man when they won the NCAA in the early 80s.

Good luck tonight!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thanks - me too. The night they won, it was bedlam near the campus. I don’t typically watch sports (except F1 racing), but this time of year if we have a team in the hunt, I make an exception.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I watched Davidson when Steph Curry was there, but seldom since. We follow soccer/futbol here.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

And in an AMAZING win, #10 NC State (my Alma Mater) wins 5 straight games in 5 days beating #1 UNC for the ACC championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament. YESSSS!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Congrats, Chris! It's so much fun when everything comes together and magic is made.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I love it when the underdog wins. Basketball is a physical sport, but it's also very strategic and highly affected by psychological factors. The team that is prepared better in all three areas usually wins. Healthy players, well coached, and mentally focused into "that performance zone" can surprise and delight.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Rest in Peace Jim Valvano!! I'm glued to the NCAA tournament, men and women!! Enjoy, Chris! Thanks for the post.
note: My older grandson is at UNC Wilmington.

Mark

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thanks all, it has been a LONG time coming

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I’m all in… The NCSt win was impressive, for sure. But…..I’m still grinning from the shellacking my ISU Cyclones handed Houston yesterday!

goofybruce

Not to throw a wet towel on a great accomplishment, but it will take SIX more victories in a row to win the NCAA tournament. Unless NC State is in one of the "play-in" brackets, then it's seven.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

And I don’t think for a minute they’ll win the NCAA - I’ll be glad if they win a couple of games. UNC is the 4th #1 seed, but they’ll have to play a lot better than they did last night

Dannj

Well, they pulled another upset so they’re off to the dance as the ACC Champ! That was a great run thru the tourney. Congrats to the Wolfpack👍