NC State’s Mohamed Diarra continues double-double streak in win over Marquette

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman•03/29/24•

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Mohamed Diarra
Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Mohamed Diarra (23) celebrates during the second half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Marquette Golden Eagles at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS — NC State junior forward Mohamed Diarra did not eat or drink anything until late in the second half of the Wolfpack’s Sweet 16 matchup with 2-seed Marquette as he observes Ramadan. But by the time he bit into a banana, NC State held a comfortable lead and had a trip to the Elite Eight all but wrapped up.  And why did the Pack have the clear advantage over the Golden Eagles, which they beat 67-58? Rebounding — led by Diarra. He had 11 in the first half before he finished with his fourth straight double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.  Ask Diarra about his ability to play at an elite level on college basketball’s biggest stage and he is not really sure. He has praised God throughout the Wolfpack’s eight-game winning streak, but at the end of the day, habit has prevailed — in a good way.