Duke Defeats Arizona; Texas Tech Edges Arkansas in Overtime

Newark, New Jersey – In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup on March 27, 2025, the Duke Blue Devils, led by freshman standout Cooper Flagg, defeated the Arizona Wildcats 100-93, advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Flagg put on a spectacular performance, scoring 30 points, including a clutch jumper just before halftime that highlighted a critical late first-half surge. His contribution was pivotal in overcoming Arizona’s challenge.

“Just a huge rebound by [Mason] Gillis at the end of the half to close it out. He hit me on the run, and I just went up and made a shot,” Flagg explained. Duke’s second-year coach, Jon Scheyer, emphasized the importance of that moment, stating, “I mean that was critical in that moment.”

As the only Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team remaining in the tournament, Duke’s victory carries significant weight. Scheyer noted, “It means a lot. I’ve grown up in the ACC, so I take a lot of pride in what our league is capable of and what it’s done in the past.” Duke will face the University of Alabama, who secured a commanding 113-88 victory over BYU on the same night.

The SEC demonstrated strength, with Alabama advancing to the regional finals and Florida Gators defeating Maryland, 87-71. Notably, Arkansas, head coached by John Calipari, fell short against Texas Tech in an overtime thriller, losing 85-83 after relinquishing a 16-point lead.

Calipari remarked on his team’s struggle, stating, “We gave up a lead, but we did that a bunch this year. But they had a will to win.” Despite their loss, Calipari noted the vision that inspired his team throughout the tournament.

Flagg, a highly recruited player from Maine, shared his own journey to Duke: “I credit Coach Scheyer and the vision he laid out for me. It just felt like the right place with the right people.”

With Duke aiming for a spot in the Final Four national semifinals in San Antonio, Texas, all eyes will be on their upcoming match against Alabama. On the women’s side of the tournament, the top four seeds continue to push forward as Sweet 16 games unfold on Friday.