Full Breakdown
Duke Survives Upset Scare Against Siena in NCAA Tournament
3/21/2026, 4:39:17 AM
Duke's Narrow Escape
The No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils narrowly avoided a historic upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, defeating the No. 16 seed Siena Saints 71-65. Duke trailed by as many as 13 points during the game, marking the largest halftime deficit for a No. 1 seed against a No. 16 seed in tournament history, as they entered the locker room down 43-32. Siena's strategy of playing its five starters for the entire game, without substitutions, initially paid off, as they shot 55% in the first half and outscored Duke in the paint.
However, Duke rallied in the second half, outscoring Siena 39-22. The Blue Devils' comeback was sparked by a shift in defensive strategy and improved shot selection, allowing them to regain control of the game. With 4:25 remaining, Isaiah Evans' layup gave Duke its first lead since early in the first half at 63-61. Cameron Boozer led Duke with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Cayden Boozer contributed 19 points.
Key Performers
Duke's success hinged on the performance of its star freshmen, the Boozer brothers. Cameron Boozer, who shot 13-for-14 from the free-throw line, was instrumental in the victory, while Cayden Boozer's contributions were equally vital. Isaiah Evans also had a significant impact, finishing with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. For Siena, Gavin Doty was the standout player, scoring 21 points, supported by Francis Folefac with 18 points.
Official Statements & Responses
Duke coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged the team's struggles, stating, "We really didn’t come out ready to play today, and we’ve got to be a lot better moving forward." He credited Siena's coach, Gerry McNamara, for outcoaching him in the first half. McNamara expressed pride in his team's effort, saying, "I'm just really proud... I'm crushed for them because they played well enough to win."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, Duke's performance raised concerns about their vulnerability in the tournament. Analysts noted that the Blue Devils appeared sluggish and unprepared, particularly in the first half. The lack of depth in Siena's rotation was highlighted as a critical factor in their inability to maintain their lead, with players visibly fatigued in the second half.
What's Next
Duke will face the No. 9 seed TCU Horned Frogs in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. TCU advanced after defeating No. 8 Ohio State 66-64. The matchup presents another challenge for Duke, which will need to improve its performance to avoid another close call.
In summary, Duke's narrow escape against Siena serves as a wake-up call as they advance in the tournament, highlighting both their potential and the need for improvement as they prepare for TCU.
