Trending Now - Duke and Louisville Escape Upsets in Thrilling NCAA First Round

WHO:

Duke coach Jon Scheyer stated, "Just in general, [Gerry McNamara] outcoached me."

Siena coach Gerry McNamara reflected on the game, saying, "They were more ready to play."

Duke University men's basketball team

Siena College men's basketball team

Duke coach Jon Scheyer

Siena coach Gerry McNamara

Cameron Boozer, player for Duke

Gavin Doty, player for Siena

Cayden Boozer, player for Duke

Francis Folefac, player for Siena

WHAT:

Duke's victory over Siena was their first NCAA tournament game since 2010 where they trailed by double digits at halftime.

Duke became the first No. 1 seed to trail by double digits at halftime against a 16-seed in NCAA tournament history.

Siena shot 55% in the first half, including 45% from three-point territory.

Duke shot 40.7% from the field and made just 5 of 26 three-pointers in the game.

Siena missed eight straight shots and went scoreless for nearly seven minutes during a crucial stretch.

Duke outscored Siena 39-22 in the second half.

Duke's players, including Cameron Boozer, made 13-of-14 free throws in the final moments of the game.

Duke's players, including Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, made crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win.

Siena's record was 23-12 after the loss.

Duke's victory marked their 33rd win of the season, improving their record to 33-2.

Duke became the 8th No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament history to win by 6 or fewer points against a 16-seed.

Siena shot 55% in the first half, including 45% from three-point territory.

Duke shot 40.7% from the field and made just 5 of 26 three-pointers in the game.

Duke outscored Siena 39-22 in the second half.

Siena missed eight straight shots and went scoreless for nearly seven minutes during a crucial stretch.

Duke's players, including Cameron Boozer, made 13-of-14 free throws in the final moments of the game.

Duke will face No. 9 TCU, who defeated No. 8 Ohio State, in the second round on March 21st, 2026.

Duke's players, including Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, made crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win.

Siena's head coach Gerry McNamara stated, "They were more ready to play," reflecting on the performance against Duke.

Gavin Doty led Siena with 21 points, going 3-of-12 from three-point range.

Francis Folefac had 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists for Siena.

Cameron Boozer had 22 points and 13 rebounds for Duke.

Cayden Boozer finished with 19 points on 9 of 16 shooting.

Isaiah Evans had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Duke.

Duke's victory over Siena was their first NCAA tournament game since 2010 where they trailed by double digits at halftime.

Duke's win improved their all-time NCAA tournament record against 16-seeds to 159-2.

Duke became the first No. 1 seed to trail by double digits at halftime against a 16-seed in NCAA tournament history.

Duke outscored Siena 39-22 in the second half.

Siena shot 55% in the first half, including 45% from three-point territory.

Duke made only two of its 15 three-point attempts in the first half.

Isaiah Evans had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Duke.

Cayden Boozer finished with 19 points on 9 of 16 shooting.

Gavin Doty went 3-of-12 from three-point range, scoring 21 points, with four rebounds and two assists.

Francis Folefac had 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists for Siena.

Duke will face No. 9 TCU, who defeated No. 8 Ohio State, in the second round on March 21st, 2026.

Duke's players, including Cameron Boozer, made 13-of-14 free throws in the final moments of the game.

Duke's players, including Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, made crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win.

Siena's performance was characterized by strong shooting early on, but they struggled in the second half, shooting 23.5% after halftime.

Duke's players, including Cameron Boozer, made 13-of-14 free throws, hitting clutch shots at the end of the game.

Duke played without starting big man Patrick Ngongba II due to soreness in his right foot.

Duke's players, including Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, made crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win.

Siena's head coach Gerry McNamara stated, "They were more ready to play," reflecting on the performance against Duke.

Duke is the 8th No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament history to win by 6 or fewer points against a 16-seed.

Duke's victory marked their 33rd win of the season, improving their record to 33-2.

Siena's record was 23-12 after the loss.

Duke shot 40.7% from the field and made 5 of 26 three-pointers in the game.

Duke's players, including Cameron Boozer, made 13-of-14 free throws in the final moments of the game.

Duke overcame a halftime deficit of 43-32.

Duke played without starting big man Patrick Ngongba II due to soreness in his right foot.

Duke's players, including Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, made crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win.

Siena's performance was characterized by strong shooting early on, but they struggled in the second half, shooting 23.5% after halftime.

Duke's victory over Siena was their first NCAA tournament game since 2010 where they trailed by double digits at halftime.

Duke's win improved their all-time NCAA tournament record against 16-seeds to 159-2.

Duke became the first No. 1 seed to trail by double digits at halftime against a 16-seed in NCAA tournament history.

Duke outscored Siena 39-22 in the second half.

Siena shot 55% in the first half, including 45% from three-point territory.

Duke made only two of its 15 three-point attempts in the first half.

Isaiah Evans had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Duke.

Cayden Boozer finished with 19 points on 9 of 16 shooting.

Gavin Doty went 3-of-12 from three-point range, scoring 21 points, with four rebounds and two assists.

Francis Folefac had 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists for Siena.

Duke's players, including Cameron Boozer, made 13-of-14 free throws in the final moments of the game.

Duke will face No. 9 TCU, who defeated No. 8 Ohio State, in the second round on March 21st, 2026.

Duke's players, including Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, made crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win.

Siena's performance was characterized by strong shooting early on, but they struggled in the second half, shooting 23.5% after halftime.

Duke's victory over Siena marked their first NCAA tournament game since 2010 where they trailed by double digits at halftime.

Duke's win improved their all-time NCAA tournament record against 16-seeds to 159-2.

Siena's head coach Gerry McNamara stated, "They were more ready to play," reflecting on the performance against Duke.

Duke's players, including Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, made crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win.

Duke became the first No. 1 seed to trail by double digits at halftime against a 16-seed in NCAA tournament history.

Duke's victory marked their 33rd win of the season, improving their record to 33-2.

Siena's record was 23-12 after the loss.

Duke outscored Siena 39-22 in the second half.

Siena shot 55% in the first half, including 45% from three-point territory.

Duke shot 40.7% from the field and made 5 of 26 three-pointers in the game.

Duke's players, including Cameron Boozer, made 13-of-14 free throws in the final moments of the game.

Duke will face No. 9 TCU, who defeated No. 8 Ohio State, in the second round on March 21st, 2026.

Duke is the 8th No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament history to win by 6 or fewer points against a 16-seed.

Duke outscored Siena 39-22 in the second half.

Siena shot 55% in the first half, including 45% from three-point territory.

Duke made only two of its 15 three-point attempts in the first half.

Isaiah Evans had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Duke.

Cayden Boozer finished with 19 points on 9 of 16 shooting.

Gavin Doty went 3-of-12 from three-point range, scoring 21 points, with four rebounds and two assists.

Francis Folefac had 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists for Siena.

Duke will face No. 9 TCU in the second round on March 21st, 2026.

Duke defeated Siena 71-65 in the NCAA tournament opener

Duke rallied from a 13-point deficit

Duke scored 11 unanswered points to take the lead

Cameron Boozer scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds

Gavin Doty led Siena with 21 points

Duke shot 40.7% from the field and made 5 of 26 three-pointers

Siena missed eight straight shots and went scoreless for nearly seven minutes during a crucial stretch

WHERE:

The game was held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Greenville, South Carolina

NCAA tournament

WHEN:

The game took place on March 19th, 2026.

The game took place on March 19th, 2026

Duke's record improved to 33-2

Siena's record was 23-12

WHY:

Duke was a No. 1 seed and Siena was a 16th seed in the NCAA tournament.

Duke was a 28.5-point favorite entering the game.

Duke was a No. 1 seed and Siena was a 16th seed in the NCAA tournament.

Duke was a 28.5-point favorite entering the game.

Duke was a No. 1 seed and Siena was a 16th seed in the NCAA tournament

Duke was a 28.5-point favorite entering the game

HOW:

Siena used only its five starters throughout the entire game, which may have contributed to their fatigue in the second half.

Duke's players, including Cameron Boozer, made 13-of-14 free throws, hitting clutch shots at the end of the game.

Duke overcame a halftime deficit of 43-32

Duke played without starting big man Patrick Ngongba II due to soreness in his right foot

Duke's players, including Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, made crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win

Siena's performance was characterized by strong shooting early on, but they struggled in the second half, shooting 23.5% after halftime

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 17:13 UTC)

In a surprising turn of events during their NCAA tournament matchup on March 19, Duke, the No. 1 seed, trailed by double digits at halftime against 16-seed Siena, marking the first time in tournament history that a top seed faced such a deficit. Duke coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged Siena's strong performance, admitting that Gerry McNamara outcoached him, while McNamara noted his team was simply more prepared to play. Ultimately, Duke rallied in the second half, outscoring Siena 39-22 and securing the victory with key free throws from players like Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans, despite Siena's impressive first-half shooting of 55 percent.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 15:11 UTC)

In a tightly contested game on March 19, 2026, Duke secured their 33rd win of the season, improving their record to 33-2 by defeating Siena by just six points, marking them as the eighth No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament history to achieve such a narrow victory against a 16-seed. Duke outscored Siena 39-22 in the second half, with standout performances from Cameron Boozer, who scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and Isaiah Evans, who added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Looking ahead, Duke will face No. 9 TCU in the second round on March 21, 2026, after a game held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 13:19 UTC)

In a thrilling NCAA tournament matchup, Duke secured a comeback victory over Siena, marking their first tournament game since 2010 where they trailed by double digits at halftime. Despite Siena's strong first-half shooting, Duke outscored them 39-22 in the second half, with Isaiah Evans and Cayden Boozer leading the way, while Duke's players made 13 of 14 crucial free throws in the final moments to clinch the win. Duke will now face No. 9 TCU in the second round on March 21, 2026, as they continue their pursuit of the championship.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 11:07 UTC)

In a thrilling NCAA tournament matchup on March 19, Duke, the No. 1 seed, narrowly defeated 16-seed Siena by a score of 68 to 62, marking Duke's 33rd win of the season and improving their record to 33-2. Despite a halftime deficit of 43-32 and playing without starting big man Patrick Ngongba II, Duke rallied in the second half, with players like Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans hitting crucial free throws down the stretch. Siena, which finished the game with a record of 23-12, struggled after halftime, shooting just 23.5 percent, after a strong start in the first half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 09:09 UTC)

In an exciting NCAA tournament matchup on March 19, Duke overcame a double-digit halftime deficit to secure a victory over Siena, marking the first time a No. 1 seed has trailed by that margin against a 16-seed in tournament history. Duke outscored Siena 39-22 in the second half, with standout performances from Isaiah Evans, who recorded a double-double, and Cayden Boozer, who led the team with 19 points. With this win, Duke improved their all-time NCAA tournament record against 16-seeds to an impressive 159-2 and will now face No. 9 TCU in the second round on March 21.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 07:18 UTC)

In an exciting NCAA tournament matchup on March 19, 2026, Duke secured a victory over Siena, marking their first tournament game since 2010 where they trailed by double digits at halftime. Duke's win improved their all-time NCAA tournament record against 16-seeds to an impressive 159 wins and just 2 losses, while Siena's head coach Gerry McNamara acknowledged that Duke was "more ready to play." The game saw crucial free throws from Duke's Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer in the final moments, as Siena relied solely on its five starters throughout the game, which likely contributed to their fatigue in the second half.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 05:21 UTC)

In a historic NCAA tournament matchup, Duke became the first No. 1 seed to trail by double digits at halftime against a 16-seed, but they rallied to secure a 33-2 record for the season with a 39-22 second half against Siena, who ended the game at 23-12. Siena shot impressively at 55% in the first half, including 45% from beyond the arc, but fatigue from relying solely on their five starters may have impacted their performance in the latter half. Duke's next challenge comes against No. 9 TCU, who advanced after defeating No. 8 Ohio State, with their matchup set for March 21.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 01:25 UTC)

Duke has made history as the eighth No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament history to win by six or fewer points against a 16-seed, edging out Siena with a final score of 61 to 55. The Blue Devils turned the game around in the second half, outscoring Siena 39 to 22, while Isaiah Evans recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Duke's next challenge comes tomorrow when they face No. 9 TCU in the second round of the tournament.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 23:13 UTC)

In a thrilling NCAA tournament opener in Greenville, South Carolina, Duke University overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat Siena College 71 to 65 on March 19, 2026. Cameron Boozer led the way for Duke with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Gavin Doty scored 21 points for Siena, who struggled in the second half with a shooting percentage of just 23.5. Despite missing starting big man Patrick Ngongba II due to foot soreness, Duke rallied in the final moments, improving their record to 33-2, while Siena fell to 23-12.