The narrative surrounding Jon Scheyer and the Duke basketball team has often been that they struggle to execute in the clutch. Critics pointed to their losses against Texas Tech and North Carolina as evidence, along with past performances. However, dedicated Duke fans have always believed in Scheyer's strategic prowess, and now they have the proof they needed.
In a thrilling showdown against No. 1 Michigan, the Blue Devils found themselves with a slim 57-56 lead with just under four minutes remaining.
A foul on Michigan's Trey McKinney brought about a crucial timeout. What happened next was a masterclass in late-game execution by Duke.
Right out of the timeout, Scheyer orchestrated a flawless alley-oop to Isaiah Evans, extending Duke's lead to three. When Michigan's Elliot Cadeau missed a layup, Cameron Boozer capitalized by drawing a foul on an offensive rebound, showcasing Duke's tenacity on the boards.
The back-and-forth continued as Aday Mara scored for Michigan, only for Boozer to respond with a clutch three-pointer. Even as Cadeau hit a three for Michigan, Boozer stayed aggressive, earning two points via a goaltend on Mara.
With the game tightening and less than a minute on the clock, Cadeau's free throws cut the lead to three. But Duke's Patrick Ngongba came up big with an offensive rebound, setting the stage for Evans to seal the game with two free throws.
The final score, 68-63, marked a significant victory for Duke, silencing doubters and showcasing their ability to deliver under pressure. This win not only bolsters their resume but also positions them as a strong contender for the No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Jon Scheyer's impressive 114-24 career record is no fluke. His coaching acumen was on full display, as he guided his team to execute flawlessly in the game's most critical moments.