Duke Opens NCAA Tournament With Dominant Win

GREENVILLE, SC —- The Duke Blue Devils (28-6, 16-4 ACC) matched up against the Cal State Titans (21-10, 11-4 Big West) in round one of the March Madness tournament. The Duke Blue Devils rolled over the Titans in a high fashion win, 78-61

Duke controlled the tempo the whole first, trying to pull away constantly. They shot 52% from the floor, shot 38%, and contributed nine blocks all in the first twenty minutes. They turned the ball over eight times, which kept the Titans in the game.

This was the Blue Devils’ first march madness game in three years, since losing to the Spartans in the Elite 8.

All of Duke’s starters were in double digits scoring 67 of their 78 points. They were in a groove looking like the superior team after three straight days of hardcore practice.

The Blue Devils maintained their momentum, expanding to lead to 20 points. They finished the game shooting 51% from the floor, and making all of their free throws.

Leading the way, Paolo Banchero had his 11th double-double of the season, finishing with 17 points and ten rebounds on 50% shooting. The freshman showed no sign of weaknesses and is Duke’s key player to get them to the final four.

Banchero said he felt “great” after capturing his first tournament victory.

Junior Forward and unquestionable leader, Wendell Moore Jr, finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Moore suffered a minor injury but is probably for the game Sunday.

Freshman Forward, AJ Griffin, came out of the second half hitting consecutive threes’ after missing three straight open looks in the first half. He had 2 points going into halftime and finished the game with 10 points, and six rebounds.

Duke Point Guard, Jeremy Roach was great facilitating the ball all game, with adding a key player which consisted of an alley-oop to Mark Williams. He made a pair of free-throws, added 12 points, and contributed 5 assists.

Sophomore Center, Mark Williams was the most impactful player in the second half. He closed this game and looked unstoppable on both ends of the court. He went 6/7 from the field, adding five blocks, and finished with 15 points.

The Blue Devils will be back on the floor on Sunday, playing the winner in the matchup of Michigan State and Davidson.