The team came into the Columbus, Ohio regional matchup with a chip on its shoulder, ready to prove it belonged in the contest. The Pack easily defeated the Aztecs and advanced to play No. 3 seed Georgetown two days later.

Out of the gates, the team showed a sort of reluctance on the court and played within itself. Georgetown jumped out to a 25-15 lead and the Wolfpack faithful could sense the hope of a tournament run slipping away from it.

However, the Pack clawed back into the game, going on a 17-2 run to close the half and take a 32-27 lead. State had life again and all the momentum in the world headed in the break.

The Hoyas wouldn’t go down without a fight, climbing back to within two points with just under a minute to play. Sophomore guard Lorenzo Brown put the Pack up 66-63 on a free throw with 4.6 seconds remaining but missed the second.

Hoya guard Jason Clark grabbed the rebound and hurried upcourt . Defended by senior guard C.J . Williams, Clark’s desperation heave at the buzzer was off the mark to seal the victory and Sweet Sixteen berth for the Wolfpack .