UConn and Duke are set for an exciting Elite Eight matchup on Sunday. The winner moves on to the Final Four, getting closer to the national championship in 2026.
As strong favorites, Duke’s been impressive all season long. UConn, aiming for their third title in four years, steps into this game as the underdog.
So, how can UConn shake things up and upset Duke? ESPN’s Seth Greenberg shared some insights on what they need to do.
“First, UConn needs to protect the ball against Duke’s long and agile defense,” Greenberg noted on SportsCenter. “Duke is known for their athleticism and ability to disrupt plays. If UConn can take care of the basketball and compete on offense, they’ll have a better chance. Then there’s the challenge of dealing with Boozer, Evans, and Foster when he enters the game. Their defensive plan is crucial.”
Greenberg continued, “Should they double-team Boozer? How will they use Tarris Reed against him? It will be interesting to see how they approach these decisions.”
Indeed, Cameron Boozer plays a pivotal role for Duke. Averaging 22.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, he’s a force on the court with impressive shooting stats—55.9% overall and 39.6% from beyond the arc.
“When Boozer drives and uses screens from Isaiah Evans, UConn must stay alert,” Jay Bilas added during the discussion. “It’s easy to focus too much on Boozer, but if they leave Evans open for threes, it could lead to trouble.”
“A key factor is Tarris Reed Jr. If he can avoid fouls and stay in the game, UConn’s chances of beating Duke improve significantly,” Bilas concluded.
Historically, Duke has often been seen as a powerhouse in college basketball, consistently attracting top talent. With recent stats showing them leading in several key performance categories, this matchup not only highlights their strength but also raises the stakes for any upset. UConn fans will surely be hoping for a surprise against the odds!
