Duke survives Arizona in thrilling Sweet 16 showdown

In Newark, New Jersey, the Duke Blue Devils faced off against the Arizona Wildcats in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament. The top-seeded Blue Devils and the fourth-seeded Wildcats both brought competitive records into the game, with Duke holding a 33-3 record and Arizona sitting at 24-12. Cooper Flagg led his team by scoring 30 points, contributing significantly to Duke's offensive performance. The game was marked by a back-and-forth score, particularly in the second half, when Arizona made a strong push that cut the Blue Devils' lead to just five points with under two minutes remaining in the game. Duke started strong, managing to build a 19-point lead by the mid-second half, only to find themselves under pressure as Caleb Love of Arizona mounted an impressive effort, eventually finishing the game with 35 points. The matchup highlighted Flagg's dynamic skills, including a clutch three-pointer before halftime and critical pass assists that energized the Blue Devils' offense. The game showcased not only the individual talents of the players but also the strategic coaching from Jon Scheyer of Duke, who emphasized an aggressive approach. As the clock ticked down, it was indeed the free-throw performance that secured Duke's victory, as they managed to hit 9 of their 10 attempts, compared to Arizona's struggles. Defensive rebounds were another critical component of the Blue Devils' strategy, with Flagg average 6.2 defensive rebounds per game during the season. Duke's solid defense combined with a high shooting rate—49.2% from the field—proved to be crucial in outpacing Arizona's scoring output. The Duke Blue Devils' performance in this match indicates their readiness to advance further into the tournament. This victory qualifies Duke for the Elite Eight round and provides them a step closer to the Final Four, a coveted milestone in college basketball. As two teams with contrasting styles clashed, this game also displayed how quickly dynamics can change; Arizona's persistence nearly turned the tide, showcasing their potential as formidable contenders. Moving forward, the Blue Devils have established themselves as a team to watch as they continue their journey in the tournament, with hopes of capturing another NCAA championship.