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Duke survives massive March Madness scare with big comeback over No. 16 Siena

duke-survives-massive-march-madness-scare-with-big-comeback-over-no.-16-siena
Duke survives massive March Madness scare with big comeback over No. 16 Siena

Duke survived a massive scare from Siena to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, after trailing by as much as 11 at halftime. 

The No. 1 seed held on to defeat the No. 16 seed, 71-65.

The Blue Devils tied the game with just over five minutes to play, and then Isaiah Evans scored on a driving layup to put Duke ahead 63-61, a lead they held for the rest of the game. 

Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) attempts to shoot the ball on Siena Saints center Riley Mulvey (55) in the first half during a first round game of the men's NCAA Tournament on March 19, 2026.
Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) attempts to shoot the ball on Siena Saints center Riley Mulvey (55) in the first half during a first round game of the men’s NCAA Tournament on March 19, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke now advances to face TCU in the second round. 

However, it looked as though the Saints were on the verge of pulling off the upset of the tournament after they had gone into halftime with a 43-32 lead and made Duke the first-ever No. 1 seed to trail a 16-seed by double digits at the half. 

It was Cameron Boozer who tied the game at 61 when he knocked down a free throw with 5:08 left in the game. 

Siena Saints guard Gavin Doty (4) shoots the ball on Duke Blue Devils guard Dame Sarr (7) in the first half during a first round game of the men's NCAA Tournament on March 19, 2026.
Siena Saints guard Gavin Doty (4) shoots the ball on Duke Blue Devils guard Dame Sarr (7) in the first half during a first round game of the men’s NCAA Tournament on March 19, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Isaiah Evans scored on a driving layup after the Saints made a costly turnover to give Duke the lead, 63-61. 

Boozer hit another pair of free throws to extend the lead, and a layup by the son of former Duke star Carlos Boozer put the Blue Devils up by six.

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