The UConn Huskies outlasted the Michigan State Spartans on Friday, setting up a huge Elite 8 matchup with the No. 1 seeded Duke Blue Devils on Sunday.
Duke comes into the game as the favorites, but what needs to happen for either team to get a win and advance to the Final Four?
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The Blue Devils hope to get another strong performance from guard Caleb Foster, who made his return from a broken foot on Friday. He wasted no time making an impact, scoring 11 second-half points to help push Duke past St. John’s.
If he can have another solid outing in the Elite 8, the Blue Devils may have just enough offensive firepower to conquer UConn’s rigid defense.
Freshman Cameron Boozer will need to be at his best on both sides of the ball, though. He’ll be tasked with helping Patrick Ngongba in his matchup against Huskies big Tarris Reed Jr., who’s averaging 20.3 points, 15.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks in three tournament games so far.
Duke may have to send multiple defenders to crash the paint if Reed gets going, but stopping him should be paramount.
For UConn, senior forward Alex Karaban has been a focal point throughout the tournament. He’s averaging an impressive 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks on 54.5% shooting from the floor and 44% shooting from three.
Karaban has loads of experience with the Huskies, boasting two national championships. The Huskies will need him locked in on both ends of the floor against the Blue Devils, especially if Reed is having an off night.
Foul trouble could creep up on UConn in this matchup. While both sides play gritty and physical defense, Duke gets to the free throw line at a much higher rate.
Duke’s offense operates like a Swiss Army Knife. They often go to Boozer in the post as a first option, but have no problem looking to Isaiah Evans to be a shot creator. They’ve also had success finding Ngongba at the rim off the pick-and-roll.
The Huskies will need to hamper this balanced Duke offense if they want to pull off the upset, but that’s easier said than done.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
