In the first half, it seemed like the Duke Blue Devils were on shaky ground. St. John's Red Storm came out with energy and confidence, taking a 40-39 lead into halftime and putting Duke in the unfamiliar position of playing catch-up.
But if there's one thing Duke has shown, it's that they thrive in these March moments.
Coming out of halftime, Duke found a new gear, turning the tide in the second half to secure an 80-75 victory. This win marks their third consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, a testament to their resilience and skill.
Duke's Second-Half Surge
The opening half was a battle, with St. John’s setting the tempo and making Duke earn every shot.
But as the game tightened, Duke rediscovered their rhythm. Isaiah Evans was instrumental, scoring 25 points on an efficient 10-of-15 shooting, stepping up when Duke needed him most.
He played smart, taking what the defense gave him and making it count.
Cameron Boozer also made his presence felt inside, posting 22 points and 10 rebounds, helping Duke dominate the boards 40-27. It wasn’t a single decisive run that clinched the game, but rather a series of smart plays and key moments where Duke simply executed better.
Consistency in March Madness
Reaching the Elite Eight once is impressive; doing it three times in a row is extraordinary. The tournament is unpredictable, filled with challenges that can derail any team. Yet, under Jon Scheyer, Duke has maintained its status as a March powerhouse, seamlessly transitioning from the Mike Krzyzewski era without losing a step.
This level of consistency in the tournament is rare and speaks volumes about Duke's program and its ability to perform under pressure.
Eyes on the Final Four
With just one more win needed to reach the Final Four, Duke is poised for another deep run. The path is familiar: tight games, pivotal moments, and a team that remains composed when it matters most.
Against St. John’s, Duke didn’t need to be perfect for all 40 minutes. They just needed to be good enough when it counted, and once again, they delivered.
Stay tuned for more college basketball excitement as Duke continues its journey.