Duke's men's basketball team secured a hard-fought victory over top-seeded Houston to advance to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Despite facing a physical defense and playing without All-America point guard Jamal Shead for most of the game due to an ankle injury, the Blue Devils showed resilience and determination.
Sophomore center Kyle Filipowski led the charge with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Jeremy Roach stepped up in the second half to contribute 14 points. Duke's victory marked a significant improvement from their early exit in last year's tournament, where they were defeated by Tennessee.
The Blue Devils will now face ACC rival North Carolina State in the South Region final, setting the stage for an intense matchup between the two teams. North Carolina State, the only double-digit seed remaining in the tournament, secured their spot in the Elite Eight with a win over Marquette.
Despite the absence of Shead, Houston put up a strong fight with L.J. Cryer scoring 15 points and J'Wan Roberts adding 13. Shead's injury early in the game proved to be a significant setback for the Cougars, who struggled to maintain their momentum without their star player.
Duke's victory was a testament to their mental toughness and growth as a team, as they overcame a slow start to secure a narrow win over Houston. The ACC has demonstrated its strength in this year's tournament, with three teams advancing to the Elite Eight.
Looking ahead, Duke will aim to capitalize on their momentum as they prepare to face North Carolina State in a highly anticipated showdown. With both teams vying for a spot in the Final Four, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive matchup between these conference rivals.
As Duke celebrates their 24th Elite Eight appearance, they continue to showcase their legacy as a powerhouse in college basketball, with their eyes set on advancing further in the tournament.
For more NCAA March Madness coverage and updates, visit the official tournament bracket and news hub.
