In an unexpected turn of events, the NC State Wolfpack have emerged as the triumphant team from Tobacco Road, securing their spot in the Final Four. While Duke and North Carolina find themselves ending their seasons prematurely, NC State, under the leadership of head coach Kevin Keatts, has defied the odds and propelled themselves to the pinnacle of college basketball.

Keatts' strategic decision-making and some moments of good fortune have played crucial roles in NC State's success. The team, which initially faced minimal hype heading into the season, now finds themselves on the cusp of a potential national title.

It has become evident that in college basketball, the best four teams don't always make it to the Final Four. March Madness, with its unpredictable nature, has proven to be the most ruthless event in the sport. Even the most talented rosters, such as those of Duke and Carolina, can stumble and fall short of expectations.

For Duke, their Elite Eight opportunity slipped away as they faltered in the second half against NC State, squandering a promising lead. The team's offensive collapse at a crucial moment, despite a solid season performance, ultimately cost them a shot at the Final Four.

Similarly, North Carolina's season came to an end due to a combination of poor shooting and missed opportunities. Head coach Hubert Davis' decision to bench Seth Trimble in favor of other players during their Sweet 16 loss to Alabama raised eyebrows and may have affected the team's defensive performance. Conversely, NC State's suffocating perimeter defense played a significant role in their victory.

In contrast, Keatts' astute lineup adjustments throughout the season paid off when it mattered most for NC State. The introduction of Mohamed Diarra into the starting lineup proved to be a transformative move, improving the team's offensive efficiency and overall cohesion. Diarra's ability to exploit gaps in opposing defenses and his synergy with DJ Burns bolstered NC State's offensive prowess.

Speaking of Burns, the 6-foot-9 giant became a focal point of the Wolfpack's offense during their late-season surge. Keatts prioritized feeding Burns the ball, leading to an increase in his usage rate and ultimately benefiting the team's performance. Moreover, the partnership with point guard Michael O'Connell proved to be invaluable, with their on-court chemistry contributing to the team's success.

NC State's remarkable journey to the Final Four serves as a testament to the team's resilience and their ability to find the winning formula at the right time. Despite a slow start to the season, Keatts' relentless tinkering with the rotation eventually paid off, igniting a win streak that propelled the Wolfpack forward.

As the NC State faithful revel in the unprecedented success, Duke and North Carolina are left to reflect on missed opportunities. The cruel nature of college basketball has once again reminded us that true dominance is never guaranteed.

The Final Four now beckons for NC State, a team that defied expectations and showcased their mettle when it mattered most. With one more hurdle to overcome, the Wolfpack will look to continue their magical journey and etch their names in the annals of college basketball history.