Marquette channeling nervous energy at final practice before Sweet 16

DALLAS, TX (CBS 58) -- One final practice is in the books for Marquette before their Sweet 16 showdown against NC State. In the locker room a couple of the Golden Eagles players told CBS 58 Sports they're a little bit nervous coming into the game, but they'll be ready for the challenge.

"A good amount of anxiety, a good amount of nerves, but that just means you're alive. We're in the Sweet 16 of the tournament. You should have those feelings so I think we're all just trying to help each other stay present, stay in the moment. Just enjoy this for one another," said Kam Jones. 

"Everyone helping each other get through that but also knowing that those nerves are going to be there and being able to handle them and come together as a team and move forward," said Ben Gold. 

"That's why we're here right? That's why we're here. Trying to take it one moment at a time. Stay in the present, one round at a time and just play desperate," said David Joplin. 

NC State is one of the hottest teams in the country winning seven games in a row thanks to dominance in the paint. They are outscoring opponents 78 to 44 down low in the tournament led by prototypical bruiser DJ Burns. It sets up a unique matchup against Oso Ighodaro and the golden eagles’ more athletic bigs.

"Yeah, it's definitely a challenge because he's a really good player. Hard to guard one-on-one and hard to guard when you trap him. He's a great passer," said Oso Ighodaro.

Like you said he's big, but not only that, he's smart. He knows when the double team is coming. He knows how to make good passes and good reads so it's always tougher when you know guys can make good decisions as well when the double team is coming, but we're going to figure out a way," said Joplin. 

These two teams have only played once before in the tournament. Coincidentally enough this is the 50-year anniversary of the NC State beating Marquette for the 1974 national championship.

So, the Golden Eagles will have a chance for just a small bit of revenge Friday. 

The matchup can be watched on CBS 58.