One of the NCAA Tournament’s best stories this year in NC State continued on Friday against Marquette. The Golden Eagles were no match for the Wolfpack in March, as NC State won 67-58.

It’s been an incredible journey for Kevin Keatts and the Wolfpack, winning the ACC Tournament to receive an automatic bid as well as reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015. However, their most recent contest was arguably the toughest they’ve faced in the tournament so far. NC State is now going to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986.

Here are some takeaways from NC State’s victory:

Wolfpack hot out of the gate

Marquette couldn’t stop the NC State offense in the 1st half. It led to the Wolfpack going into the locker room with a 13-point lead.

NC State made shots at a 54% clip in the first 20 minutes of action. DJ Horne led the way with 9 points before the break and ultimately finished with a team-high 19 points. Kevin Keatts’ 11th-seeded Wolfpack brought the fight to 2-seed Marquette early on and weren’t afraid to put their foot on the gas.

The rebounding numbers were also in favor of NC State before the break. NC State out-rebounded the Golden Eagles 22 to 14 in the 1st half. Mohamed Diarra led the team in that stat with 11 rebounds (he finished the game with 15).

Lock down defense from deep

One point of emphasis for NC State’s defense in the tournament has clearly been shutting down teams from beyond the arc. That trend continued on Friday in Dallas.

Texas Tech and Oakland shot a combined 19-of-66 from 3-point range in NC State’s 1st 2 NCAA Tournament games. The Wolfpack did an incredible job of limiting Marquette and held them to 4-of-31 (13%) from 3-point range in this contest.

For context, NC State held teams to a 3-point percentage of 34.4% this season — a below-average figure nationally. Something changed in March and it’s paying big dividends for Keatts’ team.

NC State onto the Elite Eight

The road gets tougher for NC State after an impressive upset of Marquette. A run that would make NC State legend Jim Valvano proud continues with either Duke or Houston up next.

NC State lost its 1st matchup with Duke at the end of the regular season and quickly got revenge by knocking the Blue Devils out of the ACC Tournament.

Houston would pose a threat as well. The Cougars proved that can keep up with teams offensively, outlasting Texas A&M in overtime to reach the Sweet 16.

A tipoff time for NC State’s Elite Eight clash has not yet been announced. If you’re interested in betting on the Wolfpack in the next round, you can sign up with one of Saturday Down South’s recommended new sports betting apps.