Wisconsin appeared to have the national title wrapped up, but Duke was not ready to give up as they stormed back at the end of the second half to win it all with a final score of 68-63.
READ MORE:
Christian Laettner shirt – (Image) Duke legend wears “Haters Gonna Hate” shirt at team breakfast
Duke destroys Michigan State – (Video) Duke demolishes Michigan State and ends their Cinderella run to reach finals
Wisconsin upsets Kentucky – (Video) Wisconsin upsets Kentucky to spoil their perfect season and reach finals
The game was tied at 31 in the first half, but Wisconsin went on a tear to begin the second half.
The Badgers led, 48-39, with over 13 minutes left in the second half. Duke went on a 20-10 run to take a one-point lead, and the game returned to first-half form.
With just over four minutes left, Duke guard Tyus Jones made the go-ahead three-pointer before star center Jahlil Okafor made two clutch layups.
Jones effectively sealed the win with another clutch three-pointer. Wisconsin star Frank Kaminsky briefly kept the game alive with a three-pointer to trim Duke’s lead to five.
Nigel Hayes cut it to three with a slam dunk, but Jones came through for the Blue Devils with two free throws. This gives the Blue Devils and head coach Mike Krzyzewski their fifth national title.
For the Blue Devils, Jones led in the scoring department with 23 points while grabbing five rebounds. Guard Grayson Allen added 16 points as forward Justise Winslow chipped in with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Okafor was mostly quiet with 10 points and three rebounds, but he came through when it counted most.
Kaminsky had another strong performance with 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Sam Dekker scored 12 points with eight rebounds.
Here are the biggest highlights from this national championship that never failed to provide excitement.
COMMENTS