The Duke Blue Devils, boasting a 33-3 record, have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season, solidifying their position as a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. Under the leadership of Coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has maintained a balanced approach, excelling in both offensive and defensive facets of the game. Their defensive prowess has been particularly noteworthy, consistently limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities and controlling the tempo of games. This defensive strength was evident in their earlier season victory over Arizona, where they held the Wildcats to just 55 points. Offensively, the Blue Devils employ a multifaceted attack, with contributions from a deep roster. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg has been a significant addition, leading the team with 24 points in the previous matchup against Arizona. Flagg’s versatility and scoring ability have provided Duke with a reliable offensive option, complementing the experience and leadership of senior guard Jeremy Roach. Roach’s court vision and playmaking skills have been instrumental in orchestrating the Blue Devils’ offense, ensuring efficient ball movement and high-percentage shot opportunities. Duke’s success is also attributed to their depth, with players like Caleb Foster and Kob Knueppel making significant contributions off the bench. This depth allows Coach Scheyer to implement various lineups and strategies, adapting to different opponents and maintaining a high level of intensity throughout games. Duke’s bench has consistently outperformed opposing second units, often creating crucial momentum swings during key stretches of play. That roster depth also allows them to maintain defensive pressure across 40 minutes without sacrificing offensive production. The Blue Devils excel at switching defensive schemes mid-game, whether applying full-court pressure, trapping high ball screens, or collapsing into a zone to protect against inside penetration—all of which have made them a top-15 team in adjusted defensive efficiency this season.

Their frontcourt, anchored by Kyle Filipowski, provides a physical and skilled presence on both ends of the floor. Filipowski, a 7-footer with soft hands and stretch range, averages nearly 15 points and 8 rebounds per game, forcing opposing bigs to guard outside their comfort zone while protecting the rim on the other end. In tandem with Flagg, the two form one of the most dynamic forward pairings in the country, capable of switching onto smaller guards and still dominating the boards. Duke’s offensive tempo is balanced; they don’t always push in transition but are lethal when opportunities present themselves—especially off turnovers, where Roach and Flagg excel at converting fast breaks. Their half-court offense is structured around precision ball movement and unselfish play, as they average over 16 assists per game, reflecting a team-first mentality that has made them difficult to defend. From beyond the arc, the Blue Devils shoot at an efficient 37%, and when they catch fire from deep, their opponents often struggle to keep pace. In late-game situations, Duke is reliable from the free-throw line, shooting over 76% as a team and rarely giving away possessions in crunch time. One of the most impressive qualities of this squad is their ability to remain composed under pressure, a testament to both their veteran leadership and elite coaching. Entering this Sweet 16 matchup against Arizona, Duke will aim to replicate the formula that earned them a decisive win earlier in the season: suffocating defense, a patient and deadly offense, and leveraging their size and depth to gradually wear down the Wildcats. While Arizona has proven capable of upsets, Duke’s consistency, combined with the ability to dominate both in the paint and from the perimeter, gives them a clear path to the Elite Eight—provided they execute their game plan with the discipline and intensity they’ve shown all season. With one of the best scoring margins in the nation and a defense that can adapt to any tempo, the Blue Devils will look to assert their authority early, force Arizona into uncomfortable shot selections, and let their stars take over as the game progresses. In a high-stakes contest like this, Duke’s combination of experience, talent, and coaching acumen gives them every reason to be confident in advancing another step toward a Final Four appearance.