The stage is set for a thrilling Sweet 16 showdown as the five-seed St. John's squares off against the top-seeded Duke on Friday night.
This clash has all the makings of a classic, with tip-off at 7:10 p.m. ET on CBS.
Duke, boasting a stellar 34-2 record and a dominant 17-1 in the ACC, has been a powerhouse all season. But injuries to key players like center Patrick Ngongba II and guard Caleb Foster have thrown a wrench in their championship aspirations.
Ngongba made his return in the second-round victory over TCU, but Foster’s status remains uncertain after surgery on March 8. His potential absence could be a game-changer.
St. John's, riding a hot streak with 21 wins in their last 22 games, is poised to capitalize.
ESPN analysts Seth Greenberg and Jay Williams have weighed in on what it will take for the Red Storm to topple the Blue Devils. Greenberg emphasizes the importance of turnovers, highlighting that St.
John's forces a turnover on 19% of possessions. If they can disrupt Duke’s rhythm and defend star player Cam Boozer effectively, an upset could be on the horizon.
Duke has shown vulnerability, struggling in their early tournament games. They barely edged past 16-seed Siena, shooting a dismal 19% from three-point range and overcoming a 13-point deficit. Their matchup with TCU was similarly tense, with Duke committing 17 turnovers before sealing the win.
Williams points to Duke’s need for solid guard play, especially in Foster’s absence. With Cayden Boozer leading the charge, Duke must handle the ball with care against a St. John's squad that thrives in transition.
Cameron Boozer, averaging 22.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, is a force to be reckoned with and a frontrunner for Player of the Year. Yet, St. John's defense and ability to get to the free-throw line will test Duke’s mettle.
The Red Storm’s recent victory over Kansas, sealed by Dylan Darling’s buzzer-beater, showcased their resilience. While they struggled to close out the Jayhawks despite forcing 16 turnovers, their momentum is undeniable.
With Duke's inconsistency and injury woes, St. John's has a real shot at pulling off the upset. If they play to their strengths and maintain offensive pressure, they could very well send shockwaves through the tournament.