Duke Escapes Siena Scare Thanks to Boozer Brothers

Duke Blue Devils Survive Siena Scare in NCAA Opener

The Duke Blue Devils found themselves in a serious fight against Siena in their NCAA Tournament opener, needing a strong second-half comeback to avoid a stunning upset. It was the Kaden and Dereck Lively, the “Boozer Boys,” who led the charge for Duke, scoring most of the team’s points, making key baskets, and dishing out crucial assists. Kaden Lively put up a career-high 19 points in the win, continuing a streak of impressive performances where he’s set or tied personal bests in three straight games. “Good for Kaden, because we talk about him as a brother all the time. Kaden deserves some love and he deserves to be on that Duke team, and he showed it here,” said an analyst.

Siena’s Relentless Effort Pushes Duke to the Brink

Siena played with incredible intensity, especially in the first half, holding an 11-point lead at halftime. Their aggressive style, scoring in the paint, and sheer determination almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. What amazed observers was Siena’s lack of substitutions. Five players logged a full 40 minutes on the court, a rarity in modern basketball. The only substitution Siena made came with just 10.8 seconds left in the game, likely due to foul trouble. This relentless effort, however, seemed to catch up to them in the second half, as Duke went on a crucial 13-0 run.

Duke’s Wake-Up Call: Not a Cakewalk

The idea that Duke might have underestimated Siena was evident. “I was shocked when I was watching the halftime interview and Malik Brown said that they thought it was going to be a cakewalk,” an analyst stated. “You cannot enter the NCAA tournament at any point in time and think it’s going to be a cakewalk.” This sentiment echoed a past failure, as one analyst recalled his own UCLA team, filled with NBA talent, losing to Detroit Mercy in the first round after having a similar mindset. Duke clearly wasn’t ready for Siena’s aggressive approach, which featured sharp play in the paint. The Blue Devils’ outside shooting also faltered, hitting only 19% of their three-point attempts, a significant concern moving forward.

Looking Ahead: TCU and Defensive Concerns

This close call against Siena serves as a wake-up call for Duke as they prepare to face TCU in the next round. TCU is a tough opponent, having beaten teams like Florida, Wisconsin, and Texas Tech. A major concern for Duke is the absence of Patrick Gumba, who provides crucial rim protection. TCU’s guards are known for attacking the paint and kicking out for three-pointers, making Duke’s defense, which was surprisingly poor in the first half, a key area to watch. “Duke’s got to continue to solidify their defensive end. That’s been the calling card of the Duke Blue Devils all season long,” an analyst emphasized. While Duke’s defense was shaky early, they did manage to create turnovers and push the tempo in the second half. Finding that offensive rhythm to fuel their defense will be vital for Saturday’s game.

High Point Stuns Wisconsin in Another Upset

In another significant upset, number 12 seed High Point defeated number 5 seed Wisconsin. The Panthers showcased their elite three-point shooting, hitting 10 or more threes for the eighth time this season, winning all those games. Rob Martin was outstanding for High Point, scoring 23 points and dishing out 10 assists with only one turnover, controlling the game’s tempo. Even a surprising moment saw Chase Johnston make his first two-point field goal of the season, a layup, in the midst of the victory. High Point’s execution down the stretch was the difference-maker, securing their advancement.

A Classic 12-5 Upset

The High Point victory over Wisconsin perfectly embodied the excitement of a 12-seed upsetting a 5-seed, a matchup that often leads to surprising results. “We love to see it,” one commentator remarked. The game featured high-level basketball with both teams trading blows, but High Point’s ability to perform when it mattered most secured their spot in the next round. This win highlights the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where execution and timely shooting can overcome higher seeds.

Source: NCAA Tournament Reaction: Duke WAS NOT READY for Siena – Sean Farnham | SportsCenter (YouTube)