Duke advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament with an 80-75 victory over St. John's in a tightly contested Sweet 16 matchup. The Blue Devils overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half, fueled by Caleb Foster's return from injury and a strong defensive performance.
St. John's head coach Rick Pitino drew attention for a heated sideline exchange with senior guard Oziyah Sellers late in the game, as the Red Storm failed to capitalize on a crucial possession. Pitino later praised his team's effort in a social media post, calling them a group of 'young men who care so much for each other.'
The game also sparked debate over officiating, with St. John's receiving significantly fewer free throw attempts than Duke. Some observers questioned whether the Blue Devils benefited from favorable calls, while others attributed the disparity to Duke's aggressive style of play.
Duke will now face UConn in the Elite Eight, while St. John's season comes to an end. The Red Storm, led by senior forward Zuby Ejiofor, had won back-to-back Big East titles under Pitino but fell short in their NCAA Tournament run.
The NCAA acknowledged Ejiofor's contributions with a farewell message, highlighting his impact on the program. Pitino is expected to remain with St. John's, with reports suggesting a restructured contract in the works.
The game featured several standout performances, including Cameron Boozer's double-double for Duke and Ejiofor's 17-point effort for St. John's. The Blue Devils' ability to control the paint and out-rebound the Red Storm proved decisive in the close contest.