The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has emerged as the powerhouse conference in this year's NCAA Tournament, defying expectations and silencing critics. Despite being overlooked and disrespected by the selection committee, ACC teams have shown tremendous strength, with three teams advancing to the Elite Eight.

The ACC faced scrutiny due to a regular season performance that paled in comparison to other conferences. Four teams finished with below .500 records, and seven teams landed outside the top-80 of the NET rankings, more than any other major conference. However, the ACC has displayed unparalleled resilience in the tournament, achieving an impressive 11-2 overall record.

The conference's success story continues in the South Regional final, where two ACC powerhouses, NC State and Duke, will battle for a spot in the Final Four. This guarantees at least one ACC team in the grand stage, proving once again the caliber of basketball the conference possesses.

In addition to NC State and Duke, there is the potential for another ACC team to secure a Final Four ticket. The 6th-seeded Clemson Tigers are set to face the 4th-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday night. If Clemson emerges victorious, it will be their first-ever Final Four appearance, adding to the ACC's impressive performance this year.

Despite receiving only five bids to the NCAA Tournament, which ranked fifth among the major conferences despite having the most teams, the ACC teams have proved their worth. Each ACC team triumphed in the first and second rounds, displaying their depth and competitiveness.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer attributes the ACC's success to the variety of opponents they face during the season. The conference's challenging schedule has served as excellent preparation for the intensity of March Madness.

One of the most remarkable examples of the ACC's depth is the unexpected journey of NC State. Picked as the 11th seed in the tournament, the Wolfpack only made it to the field by winning the ACC Tournament. However, they have defied all odds and currently find themselves just one game away from the Final Four. This demonstrates that the ACC is not just top-heavy but possesses formidable middle-of-the-pack teams.

NC State player D.J. Burns Jr. believes that the ACC has been unfairly underrated, and their success in the tournament serves as vindication. The conference's teams have been adaptable and prepared for various styles of play, making them a force to be reckoned with.

As the NCAA Tournament progresses, the ACC's dominance becomes increasingly apparent. Their exceptional performance proves that despite the preconceived notions and lower rankings, they are a conference capable of competing at the highest level of college basketball.

The ACC's triumphs in the tournament exemplify the resilience and determination of its teams. They have surpassed expectations, proving that on any given night, an ACC team can emerge victorious. As the race for the Final Four intensifies, all eyes will be on the ACC, waiting to witness history being made in what has been a remarkable tournament for the conference.

In the end, the ACC's strong showing in the Elite Eight reaffirms why it is regarded as one of the best conferences in college basketball, and calls into question any doubts about its competitive prowess.