Duke Advances to Elite Eight with Gritty Win Over Houston
In a hard-fought battle, the Duke Blue Devils emerged victorious over the Houston Cougars with a 54-51 win in the NCAA Tournament on Friday night in Dallas. The fourth-seeded Blue Devils showcased their resilience and determination as they overcame a physical Houston defense to secure a spot in the Elite Eight.
Kyle Filipowski, the 7-foot sophomore center, led the charge for Duke with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Jeremy Roach added 14 points, all scored after halftime. Despite facing adversity, including the absence of Houston’s All-America point guard Jamal Shead due to an ankle injury, Duke managed to outlast their opponents and secure the win.
Head coach Jon Scheyer commended his team’s mental toughness and heart, highlighting their growth and improvement since last year’s disappointing early exit from the tournament. The Blue Devils were determined not to repeat their past mistakes and showed great composure and unity on the court.
Duke will now face off against ACC rival N.C. State in the South Region final on Sunday. The Wolfpack, the only double-digit seed remaining in the tournament, secured their spot in the Elite Eight with a victory over Marquette. The upcoming matchup promises to be intense and exciting, as both teams look to advance to the Final Four.
With their win over Houston, Duke made their 24th appearance in the Elite Eight, showcasing their consistent success in the tournament. The ACC has proven to be a dominant force in this year’s NCAA Tournament, with three teams, including Duke, vying for a spot in the Final Four. As the competition heats up, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments on the road to the championship.