WITH VIDEO: After a first half with 13 lead changes, Duke was able to pull away late in the second half to claim another national title, winning 68-63 over Wisconsin.
At the half it was tied at 31, which is the first time since 1988 a national championship has been tied at the half. Early in the second half, Wisconsin came out of the gates on fire making its first three shots and taking a quick five point lead.
With 16:50 left in the game Jahlil Okafor picked up his third foul, and surprisingly stayed in the game. With Okafor and Justise Winslow out of the game due to foul trouble, Wisconsin took advantage of the paint, and extended its lead to 9, which is the largest deficit Duke has faced in the tournament.
Duke’s Grayson Allen came in off the bench, and lit a spark to put the momentum back in Duke’s hands. With 9:14 left in the game Frank Kaminsky took Okafor to the rim with his ballerina footwork, and Okafor committed his fourth foul.
With 5 minutes left in the game the game was tied up again at 56, thanks to Grayson Allen. Tyus Jones hit a big three for Duke with 4:09, and with their defense stepping up took their largest lead of the game at 8.
Duke held on to the lead for the rest of the game winning 68-63 over the Badgers. Congratulations Dukies, you’re going to Disney Land!
Turning Point
Grayson Allen came off the bench making 3 big time hustle plays that resulted in 8 points, which cut the lead to three, and stole the momentum from the Badgers with 12:10 left in the game.
Player of Second Half
Duke’s freshman Jones caught fire in the second half scoring 19 of his 23 points. He finished with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Strange, but true
Duke blocked five of Wisconsin’s shots which is more than any other team this year. Coach K wins his fifth national championship, which is second all time only to THE John Wooden.
Dorm Room Hoops 