The Duke Blue Devils defeated the Arizona Wildcats 100-93 in a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. This intense NCAA Tournament game had everything—big plays, standout performances, and a bit of controversy.
Cooper Flagg Shines for Duke
Duke’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg, put on a show, scoring 30 points, handing out seven assists, and grabbing six rebounds. His all-around performance helped Duke maintain control of the game.
Flagg’s key moments included a deep three-pointer before halftime and a crucial block in the closing minutes. His defensive and offensive contributions proved why he is one of the most exciting players in college basketball. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised him, calling it “one of the best tournament performances I’ve ever seen.”
Caleb Love’s Effort Not Enough for Arizona
Arizona’s Caleb Love gave it his all, scoring 35 points without a single turnover—something that hasn’t happened in March Madness since 1994. Love’s leadership and scoring ability kept the Wildcats competitive, even when they trailed by 19 points in the second half.
Despite Arizona’s late rally, Duke’s defense held strong, securing the win and a ticket to the Elite Eight.
Controversial Officiating Raises Questions
The game saw 46 fouls and 50 free throw attempts, leading to criticism about the officiating. Many fans and analysts felt the excessive calls disrupted the game’s natural flow. Social media buzzed with debates about whether the referees played too big of a role in the outcome.
What’s Next for Duke?
With this win, Duke advances to the Elite Eight, where they will face Alabama. The Crimson Tide earned their spot by breaking an NCAA Tournament record for most three-pointers made in a game.
Duke will need strong defense and another dominant performance from Flagg to stop Alabama’s high-scoring offense. If they can control the pace and limit Alabama’s outside shooting, their Final Four dreams will stay alive.
A Game to Remember
This Sweet 16 battle between Duke and Arizona lived up to the hype. Cooper Flagg proved he’s a rising star, while Caleb Love showcased his talent in a valiant effort. As March Madness continues, Duke looks like a serious contender, but Alabama will be a tough challenge.
Basketball fans, get ready—the excitement is far from over!
