UConn rallies in second half for 73-72 victory
A Thrilling Game for the Ages
Duke and UConn once again delivered a game that will be remembered for years to come. The Huskies staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 73-72 victory, making it one of the most exciting matchups of the season. While comparisons to Houston’s previous comeback might be inevitable, this game had its own unique challenges. Duke’s Caleb Foster and Pat Ngongba were playing with serious foot injuries, and Maliq Brown suffered from back spasms after Friday’s win over St. John’s.
Despite these obstacles, the Blue Devils showed incredible resilience in the first half, taking control of the game both offensively and defensively. UConn relied heavily on Terrence Reed, who scored 12 of their first 16 points, but the Huskies struggled overall on offense, shooting just 35% from the field and a dismal 9% from three-point range. In contrast, Duke shot 52% overall and 45% from beyond the arc, showcasing their superior efficiency.
Outside of Reed, UConn managed only 7 out of 24 shots, a 29% conversion rate. The Blue Devils also shut down Alex Karaban, holding him to 0-5 in the first half. Duke dominated the boards, grabbing 22 rebounds compared to UConn’s 13, and assisted on 11 of their 15 baskets. The Boozer brothers played a pivotal role, with Cameron scoring 14 and Cayden adding 13 points.
Another key factor was the Blue Devils’ discipline in avoiding fouls during the first half. No player had more than one foul, while UConn’s Reed and Braylon Mullins each picked up two. This was especially important given Maliq Brown’s back spasms, which forced him to sit on the bench for part of the half with what appeared to be a heating pad or EMS device.
Cameron Boozer stepped up his game significantly, including a crucial block of a Reed shot that led directly to a pass to his brother Cayden. UConn managed to cut the lead to 50-38 at the 16:29 mark, but Dame Sarr’s breakaway layup pushed Duke back ahead 52-38. The Huskies then launched a 16-6 run to narrow the gap to 56-49 with 10:59 remaining. However, the Blue Devils responded strongly, with Nik Khamenia hitting a layup and Boozer drawing a goaltending call to extend the lead to 11.
Silas Demary hit a rare three-pointer for UConn, cutting the deficit to seven, but Khamenia answered with another three to push the lead back to 10. Demary quickly responded with another three, bringing the score to 7-10. Despite the effort, UConn continued to fight, and in the closing seconds, the Blue Devils made two critical turnovers.
Cameron Boozer coughed up the ball in the lane with Duke leading 70-66, and UConn capitalized with a three by Alex Karaban to tie the game at 70-69. Boozer then scored in the lane to put Duke back ahead 72-69, but he fouled Silas Demary with 10 seconds left. Demary made one of the free throws, and Duke took possession. However, the final play would prove to be decisive.
With just four seconds remaining, Duke didn’t need to cross half-court, but Boozer attempted a pass over a UConn defender. Karaban intercepted the pass and passed it to Braylon Mullins, who drained a three-pointer from the logo to give UConn the 73-72 lead. It was a heart-wrenching finish for Duke, who fell short despite their efforts.
A Gutsy Performance Under Adversity
While the final moments will be the focus for many, it’s important to recognize the incredible effort put in by the Blue Devils. Foster and Ngongba played through significant injuries, with Foster having recently undergone surgery for a broken bone in his foot and Ngongba dealing with a stress fracture. Brown also faced his own challenges over the weekend.
What we’ll remember most about this team is the determination they showed to make it this far despite a severely damaged rotation. Their journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s clear that they’ve earned every moment of their success.
In spite of the heartbreaking ending, this was a wonderful season filled with unforgettable moments. The team’s resilience and passion have left a lasting impression on fans and observers alike. As they move forward, the memories of this season will remain with them.
