In a thrilling NCAA Tournament clash, Duke emerged victorious over St. John's with a final score of 80-75, earning their place in the Elite Eight. The game was marked by standout performances and a dramatic conclusion, as St. John's, fresh off a buzzer-beater win in the previous round, fell short in their comeback bid.
The critical moments unfolded in the final seconds. St. John's guard Dylan Darling, who had been the hero in their prior victory, saw his potential game-tying three-pointer miss the mark. Although Duke faced challenges at the free-throw line, particularly with Isaiah Evans making only one of two attempts and Cameron Boozer missing the front end of a one-and-one, they managed to secure the win. Boozer eventually sealed the outcome with two crucial free throws in the dwindling seconds after a foul that ripped his jersey.
Isaiah Evans was a dominant force for Duke throughout the game, leading all scorers with an impressive 25 points. His efficiency was notable, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and converting four of Duke's five successful three-point attempts. However, the Blue Devils also received an unexpected boost from the return of point guard Caleb Foster. Foster made his comeback after fracturing his right foot in the regular-season finale against North Carolina, a performance that Duke coach Jon Scheyer described as "one of the most special I've ever seen."
Foster's impact was particularly felt in the second half. After a scoreless first half, he ignited Duke's offense with 11 points, including a critical driving layup that extended their lead to five with less than 90 seconds remaining. His determined return, against medical expectations, provided a significant emotional and strategic lift for the team, proving instrumental in their hard-fought victory.
Ultimately, Duke's resilience, combined with key individual performances from Evans and the inspiring return of Foster, allowed them to overcome a persistent St. John's team and advance deeper into the tournament. The Blue Devils now look ahead to the Elite Eight, carrying the momentum from this hard-earned triumph.