Jobaaj Stories
Duke Dominates Arizona in Thrilling Sweet 16 Matchup
Newark, NJ – March 28, 2025 – In a Sweet 16 showdown that lived up to the hype, No. 1 seed Duke edged out No. 4 seed Arizona, 100-93, in a nail-biting victory at the Prudential Center. Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg stole the show, delivering a game-defining buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the first half and finishing with a remarkable 30 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 1 steal. This win sends Duke to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year, setting up a clash with No. 2 seed Alabama.
Flagg's March Madness Moment
Flagg's performance transcended mere statistics. His midcourt buzzer-beater was the highlight of a masterful display, showcasing the poise and skill that solidify his position as a projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick. Coach Jon Scheyer lauded Flagg's performance, stating, "Big-time players show up in big-time moments. And tonight, Cooper was everything we needed."
Arizona's Love Offensive, But Duke's Depth Prevails
Arizona's Caleb Love put up a valiant fight, scoring a season-high 35 points. However, Duke's depth proved crucial. Despite foul trouble impacting their starting center, Duke's bench stepped up, notably Maliq Brown, whose limited minutes provided a critical presence in the paint. While Love's late surge narrowed the gap, Duke’s early second-half push and Flagg's clutch free throws sealed the victory.
Elite Eight Showdown and Nate Oats' Premonition
Duke now faces Alabama in the Elite Eight, a matchup that Alabama coach Nate Oats inadvertently predicted before the game even started. While expressing concerns about his team's defense following their Sweet 16 win against BYU, Oats prematurely declared Duke as the Elite Eight opponent. This unexpected commentary added another layer of intrigue to the already intense tournament landscape. Alabama’s remarkable offensive display against BYU, setting a new NCAA Tournament record of 25 three-pointers, however, hints at a formidable challenge awaiting Duke.
Key Takeaways:
- Cooper Flagg's dominance was the defining factor in Duke's win.
- Arizona's Caleb Love delivered a spectacular individual performance despite the loss.
- Duke's bench depth proved vital in overcoming foul trouble.
- Alabama's offensive firepower poses a significant threat in the Elite Eight.
The road to the Final Four continues! Stay tuned for Duke's clash against Alabama.
