A thrilling Thursday in college basketball witnessed major conference tournament quarterfinal matchups, and it was a day of surprises. Two top-15 teams, Duke and Creighton, found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard, leaving fans and analysts stunned.
Duke’s Unexpected Exit
The Blue Devils, perennial contenders, faced off against the unranked NC State Wolfpack in the ACC quarterfinals. Despite their offensive firepower, Duke struggled to find their rhythm. After a slow start, they clawed their way back into contention, thanks to Kyle Filipowski’s impressive 28-point performance. However, late-game blunders and missed opportunities cost them dearly.
NC State held on to a slim lead throughout the second half, toeing the abyss with just 44 seconds remaining. The Wolfpack missed crucial free throws, giving Duke a glimmer of hope. But it wasn’t enough. NC State secured a 74-69 upset victory, sending the Blue Devils packing. Duke’s woes against fellow Tar Heel State teams continued, leaving fans wondering what went wrong.
Creighton, ranked No. 8, faced Providence in the Big East tournament quarterfinals. The Friars, hungry for a marquee win, seized their chance. After a strong start against Georgetown in the previous round, Providence carried that momentum into the clash with Creighton.
Coach Kim English’s squad rallied behind star point guard Devin Carter, who poured in 22 points. The Friars dominated the final 30 minutes, outlasting Creighton in a hard-fought battle. Providence’s 78-73 victory secured their spot in the Big East semifinals, leaving Creighton fans stunned.
Both NC State and Providence now find themselves in the conference tournament semifinals, defying expectations. These entrants have disrupted the status quo, proving that March Madness is full of surprises. As Selection Sunday approaches, fans eagerly await the NCAA Tournament bracket, wondering which underdog will make the next headline.
Stay tuned for more thrilling matchups and unexpected twists as college basketball’s postseason unfolds. The road to the championship is paved with upsets, and Duke and Creighton serve as cautionary tales for any team underestimating their opponents.
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