UNC's Seth Trimble blocks a shot by AJ Hoggard of Michigan State. Photo: Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
UNC, Duke and N.C. State are all in the Sweet 16 after the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Why it matters: The Triangle is simply more electric when its three ACC schools are playing well and making deep runs into March.
N.C. State's sudden resurgence — winning seven straight games and the ACC Tournament — has reignited the Wolfpack fanbase, and Hillsborough Street has been a scene of revelry multiple times in the past week.
Between the lines: It's the first year that all three teams have made the Sweet 16 since 2015.
RDU Airport even joined the fun Sunday night, posting on X: "It's us, the official airport of college basketball."
What happened: No. 1 UNC picked up another tournament victory against Tom Izzo and No. 9 Michigan State, beating the Spartans 85-69.
No. 11 N.C. State beat 14th-seeded Oakland in overtime 79-73.
And No. 4 Duke trampled No. 12 James Madison 93-55.
What's next: The Tar Heels will play Alabama in Los Angeles on Thursday.
The Wolfpack will take on No. 2 Marquette on Friday in Dallas.
And Duke will join N.C. State in Dallas, playing No. 1 Houston on Friday.
