In the NCAA tournament, the Duke Blue Devils secured their place in Eight Eight with a thrilling victory of 100-93 over Arizonou in Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 27. The team led by Cooper Flagg, the Duke offensive fire, was demonstrated on Saturday, March 29.
Flagg, projected selection No. 1 in the design of NBA 2025, again showed why he is considered generational talent. The 6-Naha-9 ended with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks to become the first Duke player to record 30-5-5 statistics in the NCAA game because assistance became the official state in 1984.
“He just did what he was supposed to do,” said Duke’s coach Jon Scheyer Postgame. “He was in his element tonight. He was free, spoke, competitive – the whole thing.”
Duke’s dominance from depth
The blue devils are a dominant offensive force, with 85% of their free throw, 58% of the arc and 60% of the field. Significant contributions from Kon Knueppela (20 points), Sion James (17 points) and Khaman Maluacha (13 points), the Duke’s offensive efficiency was obvious.
Arizona held her own in the first half, but the score was late in the middle of 42. However, before half -time, Duke’s Knueppel created three indicators in the sequence of momentum, and Flagg then created a deep buzzing with three three. Blue Devils carried a six -point lead to the break and at the beginning of the second half extended it to 15, which put the game out of reach.
Heroics Caleb Love is not enough for Arizona
Despite the loss, Arizona Caleb Love brought a remarkable performance and gained 35 points while maintaining wild cats at a striking distance of most of the second half. Love became the first player to score 35 points without turnover against Semen No. 1 at the NCAA tournament since 1994.
“Caleb is strange,” said Arizona’s head coach Tommy Lloyd. “He passed a lot and he still proves.”
Duke Eyes Final Four Spot
With the victory, the Duke has advanced to Eight Eight for the second year in a row. Standing in their journey is seed no. 2 Alabama, fresh from the dominant victory of 113-88 over the Byu. Blue Devils will need another star performance from Flagg and their deep list to continue running the championship.
“We have a big challenge ahead,” Scheyer said. “But this team is built for these moments.”
TIP-off for Duke vs. Alabama is set to Saturday night, with the last four berths on the line.
Published:
Aashish vashistha
Published on:
March 28, 2025
