N.C. State’s “gut-wrencher” ended with nothing but smiles and cheers in Raleigh, N.C.. That’s what happens when a six-year NCAA tournament drought ends.
The Wolfpack were one of the last teams added to the field of 68, but after a rough finish to Saturday’s ACC semifinal loss to North Carolina and hours of waiting, they’ll certainly take it.
“I really can’t even put into words right now how I’m feeling,” senior C.J. Williams told the AP.
Coach Mark Gottfried said he “had a good feeling” about Sunday, but waiting along with his players to see what would happen. N.C. State snagged an 11 seed in the Midwest – it’ll play San Diego State on Friday in Columbus, Ohio – and the celebration was on.
“I was happy to see our players respond like they did - it was pandemonium in there and it should be,” Gottfried said. “These guys have worked really hard and they’ve come such a long way.”
He wasn’t kidding. Gottfried later tweeted this video of the players’ reaction. That’s a team elated to go dancing.
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