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.