As Engin Atsur’s final awkward, one-handed runner came up short at the buzzer in double overtime, more than just a loss was created. With N.C. State’s fifth loss in conference play, there would now be a logjam atop the ACC standings below front-runner Duke.

With the tournament fast approaching, the importance of every game is magnified in pursuit of a top four seed in the ACC to get a coveted bye in the first round with the new 12-team format.

“We needed to win this game, we wanted to win this game for that purpose and it didn’t happen, so we just have to keep fighting,” senior guard Tony Bethel said.

The State (21-7, 10-5) loss put them one game behind UNC, just a half game up on Boston College and left Florida State within striking distance. Virginia was also in a position to move into the top four, but lost earlier in the day, moving it out of the picture.

“A lot of things can happen. This is the ACC and it’s always crazy by the end of the season,” Ilian Evtimov said.

“We’ve got to go and win at Wake Forest, that’s all we can control right now. The rest is out of our control, the rest is what’s going to happen with the other three teams. Whatever seed we get, we’re going to take it and go from there.”

Duke has long secured the top spot in the ACC, which was a goal of the Pack coming into the season. A few key losses and an unexpected 15-0 conference record by Duke though, put the goal out of reach.

“We definitely wanted to be a one seed, but we lost a few games we shouldn’t have lost during the season, but I think we’re doing really well right now,” sophomore guard Gavin Grant said.

“Last year I think we were a seven seed, we struggled and lost the last game here. This year, it’s a lot better, we’re going to be one of the better teams in the tournament, have a bye and have time to prepare for whoever we play against — so that’s got to be a good thing.”

Though the loss to Boston College was damaging, State would receive a gift later in the day from Virginia Tech, who beat Florida State to award the Wolfpack a top-four finish. State has just one game left to play, then they get a week off before facing Wake Forest.

“I know a lot of guys are banged up, so the week off will definitely help us to re-evaluate the situation, just get back to winning,” Bethel said. “We lost two straight, something we didn’t do all season. It hurts right now, but we just have to look forward.”