In Washington, N.C., NC State found itself in desperate need of a hero. Michael O’Connell stepped up to fill that role perfectly.
The drama couldn’t have been scripted better for NC State as they fought to extend their season. With just 43 seconds left on the clock, Virginia’s Ryan Dunn committed a foul on Casey Morsell as he attempted a 3-pointer. Morsell seized the moment, sinking all three free throws, narrowing the Cavaliers’ lead to just three points. As the game neared its end, NC State had a chance to level the score with only eight seconds left. Despite Morsell’s efforts to draw a foul on a three-point shot, his attempt to tie the game was unsuccessful.
Immediately after, NC State fouled UVA’s Isaac McKneely, who had secured the rebound. However, McKneely missed his crucial free throw, leaving NC State with 5.3 seconds to attempt another game-tying three-pointer.
At this pivotal moment, Michael O’Connell, in his debut season with the Wolfpack after transferring from Stanford, delivered the most significant shot of his career. His three-pointer forced the game into overtime, keeping NC State’s hopes alive in a breathtaking fashion.
“I found a bit of space, stepped into it, and shot with confidence, hoping for the best,” O’Connell remarked. “Luckily, it went in off the backboard, but I’ll happily take it any day.”
In overtime, DJ Burns took charge, scoring seven points, while DJ Horne secured the victory by sinking all four of his free throws. This led to a 73-65 win over Virginia.
NC State’s remarkable journey in Washington D.C. continues as they now stand just one victory away from an extraordinary achievement not seen since Kemba Walker’s era with UConn in 2011. For the first time in the ACC Tournament’s history, the No. 10 seeded NC State has won four games in four days, reaching the ACC Championship Game for the first time since 2007.
O’Connell’s performance this week has earned him the nickname “Tournament Mike” among his teammates. He has consistently delivered, scoring in double figures in each of the four tournament games, a feat he achieved only three times during the regular season.
“He’s been phenomenal in every game,” said Middlebrooks. “Not only is he an exceptional passer, but his scoring in the past few days has elevated his game to a new level. That shot was like something out of a movie. We entered overtime fully believing we were going to win.”
Over the past four games, O’Connell has averaged 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.25 assists. While he was mainly the team’s primary ball handler during the regular season, he has embraced a new role in D.C., propelling the team forward in the tournament.
“I’m extremely proud of him,” Diarra commented. “Mike’s dedication in the gym, practicing shots alone and with coaches, has been evident. That moment, making that shot, was truly special.”
NC State’s victory marked their fourth win in as many days at the Capital One Arena, this time in an overtime thriller, thanks to O’Connell’s miraculous shot. The team’s frontcourt played a pivotal role in the extra period. NC State became only the second team in tournament history to reach the ACC championship as a double-digit seed, replicating their last tournament final appearance in 2007.
“I’m just focused on doing whatever I can to help the team win,” O’Connell stated. “Right now, that means scoring and doing more of it. Winning is all that matters at this point.”
With just 40 minutes standing between them and an ACC Championship, as well as a spot in the NCAA Tournament, the Wolfpack is counting on “Tournament Mike” to lead them to victory against the No. 1 Tar Heels.