The No. 1 Duke Blue Devils and No. 4 Arizona Wildcats competed for a spot in the Elite Eight, with Duke emerging victorious with a 100-93 win.
Duke had been dominant in the tournament, winning their first two games by a combined 67 points. Against Arizona, they secured their first single-digit win. Cooper Flagg led Duke with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks, making history as the first Duke player to achieve 30-5-5 in an NCAA tournament game since 1984. Kon Knueppel contributed 20 points, while Sion James and Tyrese Proctor also made valuable contributions.
Arizona’s Caleb Love delivered an outstanding performance with 35 points, 4 rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Love became the first player with 35 points and no turnovers against a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament since 1994, demonstrating his elite scoring ability. Despite trailing by nearly 20 points, Arizona fought back in the second half and cut the deficit to seven late in the game but couldn’t complete the comeback.
Duke’s efficiency was key, shooting 60% from the field, 58% from three, and 85% from the free-throw line. Their offensive execution, ball movement, and ability to capitalize on Arizona’s defensive lapses played a crucial role in their victory. This was Duke’s fifth time scoring 100 points this season and their fourth time since mid-February, showcasing their high-powered offense.
A pivotal moment occurred at halftime when Duke, tied at 42, surged ahead with a last-second three-pointer by Flagg, taking a six-point lead into the break. A quick 14-5 run extended their lead early in the second half, making it difficult for Arizona to recover. Arizona tried to mount a comeback, but Duke maintained composure and control, never allowing their lead to dwindle below five points.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledged Duke’s structured gameplay, praising their young talent and experienced players like Tyrese Proctor and Sion James. He noted that Duke executed their game plan efficiently and forced Arizona into difficult defensive situations. Despite the loss, Lloyd commended Caleb Love for his resilience and performance throughout his college career, stating that Love had proven himself as one of the top players in college basketball.
With this win, Duke continues its strong tournament run, preparing to take on Alabama in the Elite Eight after Alabama’s dominant 113-88 win over BYU. The matchup between Duke and Alabama promises to be an exciting contest as both teams feature explosive offenses and dynamic playmakers. Duke will look to carry their momentum forward in pursuit of a Final Four appearance.