In a stunning turn of events, the 10th-seeded NC State Wolfpack has defied all expectations and advanced to the finals of the ACC Tournament. After entering the tournament on a four-game losing streak, the Wolfpack has now won four games in as many days, putting them on the brink of their first ACC title since 1987 and a possible NCAA Tournament berth.

Led by coach Kevin Keatts, the NC State team has showcased an incredible level of determination and resilience throughout the tournament. Despite carrying few expectations, Keatts had instilled a belief in his players before the event even began, urging them to visualize this very situation. And clearly, his words have had a profound impact on his team's performance.

Their journey to the finals has been marked by a series of impressive victories. After overcoming a halftime deficit against Louisville in the first round, NC State secured a convincing 94-85 victory. In the second round, they stunned No. 7 seed Syracuse with an 83-65 victory. Their quarterfinal match-up against No. 2 Duke proved to be their biggest upset yet, as they emerged with a hard-fought 74-69 win. And in the semifinals, the Wolfpack pulled off a breathtaking come-from-behind victory against No. 3 Virginia, with guard Michael O'Connell's game-tying three-pointer at the end of regulation setting the stage for their triumph in overtime.

For NC State, this unexpected journey to the finals represents the opportunity to achieve several significant milestones. A victory in the finals would not only secure their first ACC Tournament title in more than three decades but also make them the first double-digit seed to win the ACC Tournament or any Power 6 conference tournament. Additionally, it would earn them the ACC's automatic berth in the upcoming NCAA Tournament and mark their second consecutive appearance in the prestigious tournament.

On the other side of the court, the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels have been living up to their high expectations throughout the tournament. With an impressive regular-season performance, including a conference title, the Tar Heels have their sights set on securing their first ACC Tournament title since 2016. They have displayed their dominance by overpowering No. 9 seed Florida State with a commanding 92-67 victory in the quarterfinals, followed by a hard-fought 72-65 win against No. 4 seed Pittsburgh in the semifinals.

The Tar Heels, under the guidance of coach Hubert Davis, have been on an impressive winning streak and hold the coveted No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament within their reach. A victory in the finals would not only solidify their standing but also mark Davis' first ACC Tournament title as a head coach. In addition, it would be a fitting triumph for two of their standout players, Armando Bacot and RJ Davis, who have played key roles in the team's success this season.

The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown between the underdog NC State Wolfpack and the formidable North Carolina Tar Heels. While the Tar Heels have historically held the upper hand in their rivalry, with 25 wins in their last 30 meetings, NC State has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. Both teams are hungry for victory and will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of ACC Tournament glory.

As the anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the clash between these two fierce opponents. The outcome of the finals will not only determine the ACC Tournament champion but could also have a significant impact on seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. One thing is for certain: this game promises to be a thrilling finale that will be remembered for years to come.