Homefield — March Madness

St. John'sNo. 5

DukeNo. 1

FinalCBS

45.3%

40.6%

3PT

REB

AST

53.6%

35.7%

3PT

REB

AST

1-seeds are 49-11 (81.7%) vs 5-seeds since 1985.

Evans Carries Duke Past Scrappy St. John's

Duke survived a genuine upset bid from St. John's, 80-75, because Isaiah Evans was simply too efficient to overcome.

Isaiah Evans finished with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three, and did most of his damage in the second half when Duke needed someone to take possessions off the table. He committed just one turnover in 34 minutes against a St. John's team that forced seven steals on the night, which tells you how carefully he operated.

Cameron Boozer was less clean -- 7-of-16 from the field and three turnovers -- but his 10 rebounds (two offensive) and six made free throws kept Duke functional on both ends. The double-double in 39 minutes was load-bearing even if the efficiency wasn't pretty.

Duke's rebounding margin was the structural advantage that held up: 40 boards to St. John's 27, with 12 offensive rebounds generating extra possessions Duke converted into the five-point cushion it needed. St. John's shot 13-of-32 from three and got terrific work from Zuby Ejiofor (17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 offensive boards) and an efficient Bryce Hopkins (6-of-7 from the field), but the Red Storm simply could not match Duke's size on the glass when it mattered most.

Game Story

The Duke Blue Devils held off the St. John's Red Storm 80-75 in a competitive contest.•Isaiah Evans paced the offense with 25 points.•Cameron Boozer chipped in 20 points.•Duke had a huge shooting edge, shooting 53.6% compared to just 45.3% for St. John's.•The Red Storm were hot from deep, draining 13 three-pointers at 40.6%.•St. John's had 19 assists compared to Duke's 13, showing better ball movement.•Duke owned the glass, out-rebounding St. John's 40-27.•Duke got to the line 22 times, converting 13 (59%).•The Duke Blue Devils held off the St. John's Red Storm 80-75 in a competitive contest.•Isaiah Evans paced the offense with 25 points.•Cameron Boozer chipped in 20 points.•Duke had a huge shooting edge, shooting 53.6% compared to just 45.3% for St. John's.•The Red Storm were hot from deep, draining 13 three-pointers at 40.6%.•St. John's had 19 assists compared to Duke's 13, showing better ball movement.•Duke owned the glass, out-rebounding St. John's 40-27.•Duke got to the line 22 times, converting 13 (59%).•