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In a highly anticipated Sweet 16 matchup of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Duke faced off against St. John’s at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Expectations were high for both teams, with Duke entering as the top seed in the East region and boasting a formidable record of 35-2. St. John’s, on the other hand, was riding a wave of momentum, having lost only once in their last 22 games prior to this encounter.
The game began with St. John’s surprising the crowd by taking a 40-39 lead at halftime. This was a pivotal moment, as it showcased their resilience and ability to compete against a powerhouse like Duke. However, the decisive moment came in the second half when Duke outscored St. John’s 41-35, ultimately sealing the game with a final score of 80-75. Isaiah Evans led Duke with an impressive 25 points, while Cameron Boozer contributed significantly with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Caleb Foster’s return from injury added depth to Duke’s lineup, as he scored 11 points, demonstrating his importance to the team. This victory marked Duke’s 14th consecutive win, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the tournament. In contrast, this loss was only St. John’s second in their last 23 games, highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup.
Expert analysis suggests that Duke’s ability to adapt in the second half was crucial to their success. Coach Jon Scheyer praised his players, particularly Foster, stating, “To be honest, he had no business playing tonight — 99 percent of guys do not come back to play under the circumstances of what’s happened to him.” This sentiment underscores the determination and grit displayed by Duke throughout the game.
Cameron Boozer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the physicality of St. John’s, saying, “They’re one of the most physical teams we played all year. It’s something we talked about every single day, just their physicality, their pressure.” This acknowledgment of St. John’s toughness reflects the respect Duke had for their opponents, despite the final score.
Looking ahead, Duke is set to face either UConn or Michigan State in the Elite 8, a matchup that will further test their championship aspirations. The stakes are high, and with their current momentum, Duke appears poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
In summary, the clash between Duke and St. John’s was not just a battle of skill but also a testament to the resilience of both teams. Duke’s victory not only extends their winning streak but also reinforces their legacy in NCAA Tournament history, as they now hold a 2-1 all-time record against St. John’s in tournament play.
