Overview

In an electrifying showdown in Newark, New Jersey, the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils triumphed over the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats with a final score of 100-93, effectively securing their place in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Duke's Dominance

Duke showcased their prowess with star player Cooper Flagg leading the charge, scoring an impressive 30 points, alongside seven assists and six rebounds. Flagg's performance, which included three crucial blocks, was instrumental as the Blue Devils built a commanding 19-point lead in the second half.

Arizona's Comeback Attempt

However, the Wildcats staged a gutsy second-half comeback fueled by Caleb Love, who notched 35 points on 11-for-21 shooting, including five three-pointers. Arizona's late-game rally saw them claw back to within five points, thanks to an explosive offensive effort.

Clutch Moments

Despite their strong showing, they fell short as Duke maintained control in the closing moments of the game. Kon Knueppel sealed the deal for the Blue Devils with a pair of free throws, extending their lead to 100-93.

Shooting Statistics

The Wildcat's shooting was solid, hitting 12 of 26 from beyond the arc and an impressive 21 of 23 from the charity stripe, but it wasn't enough to overcome Duke's sharpshooting—33-for-55 from the field and 11-for-19 from three-point range.

Intense Closing Minutes

Things heated up in the waning moments as Arizona tightened the score, with Jaden Bradley and Carter Bryant making key plays. However, Duke's defense ultimately proved too strong, and the Blue Devils capitalized on their free throw opportunities to secure the victory.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Duke will square off against No. 2 seed Alabama in an eagerly awaited Elite Eight matchup on Saturday, with a coveted spot in the Final Four up for grabs. Alabama not only clinched their place after a dominant win against BYU but also set a record for the most three-pointers made in an NCAA Tournament game.

Fan Anticipation

As March Madness continues, fans are buzzing with anticipation over the upcoming Duke vs. Alabama clash. Will Cooper Flagg continue his stellar play and lead his team deeper into the tournament, or can Alabama's dynamic offense outpace the Blue Devils? Don't miss out as the action unfolds in this thrilling NCAA Tournament!