Duke's Dominant Performance Over Vermont
Duke entered the NCAA tournament with a point to prove, following a disappointing two-game losing streak. Historically, no team has ever claimed the national championship after dropping their first conference tournament game, a streak Duke is keenly aware of. Seeded No. 4, the Blue Devils showcased their determination in a commanding 64-47 victory over Vermont.
The team's balance was on full display, with four starters scoring in double figures. However, Kyle Filipowski, usually a key contributor for Duke, was limited to just 3 points against Vermont. Despite this, Duke's overwhelming performance was too much for Vermont, as they pulled away to set up a matchup against either Wisconsin or James Madison.
On the individual front, Vermont's Shamir Bogues stood out with 18 points, but Duke's superiority at the free-throw line, outscoring Vermont 20-2, underscored the comprehensive nature of their victory. However, the game was not without its casualties, as VT’s TJ Long exited due to injury, mirroring Duke's own loss with Caleb Foster sidelined with a stress fracture.
NC State Rises Against Texas Tech
For NC State, the tournament began with a bang as they secured an 80-67 win over Texas Tech, marking Kevin Keatts' first NCAA Tournament victory with the team. The standout performance came from Ben Middlebrooks, who netted 21 points, propelling NC State to shoot an impressive 51% from the floor.
This result sets the stage for NC State to face the Horizon League champion, Oakland, in what is shaping up to be an enthralling encounter. The victory also highlights the growing momentum behind NC State, a sentiment echoed by Travon Miles on social media, celebrating Keatts's milestone and the team's burgeoning confidence.
UNC Triumphs Over Wagner
The University of North Carolina (UNC) also made their mark, dispatching Wagner with a comfortable 90-62 victory. Armando Bacot was a tower of strength, amassing 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Jae'Lyn Withers contributed a season-high 16 points to the victory. This continued UNC’s impressive NCAA games record in North Carolina to an astounding 35-2.
Up next for UNC is a challenging showdown with Michigan State, a matchup that promises to test the mettle of the Tar Heels. However, the sentiment around the team is overwhelmingly positive, with Maggie Casey and others expressing unyielding support and confidence. The atmosphere within the camp is one of excitement and anticipation, encapsulated by the sentiment, "Everybody's got confidence now. Everybody."
The successes of Duke, NC State, and UNC in the Round of 64 have not only thrilled their respective fan bases but also set the tone for what promises to be a captivating journey in the NCAA tournament. With each team showcasing their strengths and rallying behind their communities, the stage is set for an unforgettable pursuit of the national championship. The determination, skill, and spirit displayed by these teams underscore the palpable excitement surrounding the tournament, leaving fans eagerly awaiting each upcoming matchup.