Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
They say battles are won in March when it comes to all of this madness, but the first game in DC tonight of the Sweet 16 featuring Duke vs. St. Johns was nothing but a classic old fashioned basketball battle with Duke pulling out an 80-75 victory that went down the wire.
The biggest difference in the game tonight came down to a few calls that should have gone the other way for St. John’s, but they just did not and the return of Caleb Foster for Duke, made a huge difference in the outcome for who moved on and who didn’t.
Foster was just three weeks removed from surgery on his left foot wasn’t even sure he was going to be playing in this game, which seemed to shock most everyone when he was asked about whether he was expected to be a part of winning this game the way that he did.
“To be honest, he had no business playing tonight — 99 percent of guys do not come back to play under the circumstances of what’s happened to him,” Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer said. “It was incredible the way he willed us.”
St. John’s had one of their best games of the season when it came to offensive production along with strong defense when it matter that was anchored by Zuby Ejiofor, who drew a huge foul at the other end. This gave the Johnnies 14.7 seconds to play and a chance to sed he the game to overtimes, but Ejiofor could not finish what he started in the second half and finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists — made only one of two free throws.
After the game, Ejiofor was asked about what this game and his 3-year legacy leaves on the University. He struggled to keep it together had to leave his portion of the post-game interview.
In addition to the Ejiofor exit, Petino was very upset with the NCAA for keep their tram waiting so long to speak on the loss.
“You should have the losing team go first because you left us disappointed in the locker room while the other team’s celebrating — rightfully so,” he said. “You should let the losing team go first and then let the winning team have as long as you want. Just a suggestion because you just left us hanging out there for over a half-hour.”
Duke moves on to the Elite 8 and faces the winner of the UCONN vs Michigan State game.
