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It’s time for the Elite Eight, a stage where some individuals find themselves justifying Duke’s success. There’s a straightforward explanation for why the Blue Devils have advanced this far, and it’s not mere luck.
Before their recent victory over Houston, not many had predicted Duke’s Elite Eight run. Recall the skepticism surrounding their matchups against Vermont and James Madison, where doubts about potential upsets were prevalent. However, Duke convincingly defeated these opponents, defying expectations.
Even in the face of adversity against Houston, with the Cougars losing Jamal Shead to an ankle injury, Duke’s victory was hard-fought and required every ounce of effort.
Despite this, some on social media now claim that Duke had an easy path to the Final Four, a notion that overlooks key aspects.
Firstly, relying solely on bracket analysis to determine difficulty is shortsighted. Luck plays a role, but sustained performance is necessary to capitalize on any fortunate circumstances.
Secondly, dismissing Duke’s success as purely fortuitous is unfounded. Duke’s stellar defense has been a significant factor in their victories:
– Against Vermont, they held the opponents to 25.3 points below their average.
– Against James Madison, they limited scoring by 30 points below the average.
– Against Houston, they constrained the Cougars to 23.1 points below their average.
Furthermore, their opponents’ shooting percentages and three-point shooting reflect a consistent defensive prowess.
While it’s uncertain how Duke will fare against NC State, it’s evident that their defense is operating at an elite level, a fact recognized by those who analyze beyond surface-level assumptions.
