Duke’s second-round performance against TCU, especially in the second half, was significantly more dominant than their careless performance against 16-seed Siena.
Both teams competed in the first half. Both teams made more than 40% of their field goals, TCU made 38% of their three-pointers, and the Blue Devils led 38–34 at the half.
But the story in the second half was entirely different. TCU was only able to shoot 26% from the field and 18% from three-point range as Duke’s defense tightened significantly. The Blue Devils shot 61.5% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc, making them practically unstoppable on offense.
The return of Patrick Ngongba from injury was one noteworthy plot point. After 13 minutes of operation, the rust was visible. Ngongba committed four turnovers, four fouls, including a flagrant foul in the second half, and finished with just four points.
Duke’s victory puts them in the Sweet Sixteen, where they will play 5-seeded St. John’s, who just defeated 4-seeded Kansas in a thrilling game. Three individuals must improve if the Blue Devils are to defeat St. John’s, a team renowned for its superior defense.
Cameron Boozer
Boozer is likely to win National Player of the Year since he has been the greatest player in the nation this season. He has been a little underwhelming in Duke’s last three games, though, save from the second half against TCU. Boozer has made 14 of 38 field goals and only 2 of 11 three-pointers since the ACC Championship.
The shooting difficulties have been somewhat mitigated by his propensity to draw fouls, but St. John’s poses a special difficulty. With one of the top defenses in the nation, the Johnnies have avoided foul trouble in their first two tournament games. If Duke hopes to advance, Boozer will need to be more proficient and sharper because muscular players like Dillon Mitchell and Zuby Ejiofor will be guarding the paint.
Isaiah Evans
Evans, who can make shots off the catch, off the dribble, and off screens, has been one of Duke’s most dependable offensive weapons this season. Throughout the season, Cameron Boozer has had more space to play in the post thanks to his 36% shooting from outside the arc.
However, St. John’s has been among the top teams in the nation when it comes to three-point defense, holding opponents to just 31% from outside the arc. Getting Evans going from the outside will be essential to spreading the floor against this defense because he has had trouble finding his rhythm during Duke’s opening two tournament games.
Cayden Boozer
Cayden Boozer has taken over as starting point guard since Caleb Foster suffered a foot injury during the regular season finale against North Carolina, and he has performed admirably. This season, he hasn’t been asked to be the main scorer, and that doesn’t have to alter.
Cayden needs to keep acting as a true floor general, including his teammates and using the ball wisely. Just as crucial as any baskets he makes will be his ability to manage the offense effectively.
St. John’s is a true test, but Duke has the skill and depth to go far in this tournament. After defeating Kansas, the Johnnies are playing with momentum and don’t beat themselves. They also play excellent defense.
The Blue Devils should have enough to secure their spot in the Elite Eight if Cameron Boozer finds his efficiency, Evans finds his shooting touch again, and Cayden Boozer keeps running the game with poise. This time, a careless performance like the one against Siena won’t do.
