MY ACCOUNT
Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s fairytale ending is alive and well after Duke came from behind to knock Texas Tech out of March Madness 78-73 and move on to the Elite Eight.
Krzyzewski – affectionately known as ‘Coach K’ – is in the last season of his 42-year run as Duke’s head coach, and is searching for his sixth national championship.
It was far from easy for the Blue Devils against a Red Raider side in their third Sweet 16 from the past four tournaments, trailing 33-29 at half-time.
In the final 15 minutes, neither team was able to build a lead of more than five points as it seesawed back-and-forth before two clutch Jeremy Roach jump shots gave Duke a 73-68 buffer with 1:33 remaining.
Duke’s top NBA Draft prospect Paolo Banchero showed exactly why he is going to make plenty of money at the next level, scoring a team-high 21 points on seven-of-12 shooting to go with four assists and three steals as the best player on the court.
The tournament’s overall number one seed, Gonzaga, is heading home after a 74-68 upset loss at the hands of four seed Arkansas.
Potential number one pick in this year’s NBA Draft Chet Holmgren fouled out with 3:30 to play, with his team down six, finishing with 11 points (five-of-nine shooting), 14 rebounds and two blocks in his 23 minutes.
Another one seed packed with NBA prospects fell when five seed Houston toppled Arizona 72-60.
Likely first-round picks Bennedict Mathurin and Christian Koloko were held in check by the experienced Cougar side, combining for 25 points on six-of-20 shooting.
Villanova got the job done against 11 seed Michigan, with its defence leading the way in a 63-55 triumph.
Jermaine Samuels was excellent for the two seed Wildcats, scoring 22 points on eight-of-13 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds as Villanova held the Wolverines to just 34 per cent from the field.
