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Duke suffers devastating Elite Eight loss to UConn

Mar 31, 2026, 2:00 AM20
(Update: Apr 1, 2026, 2:54 AM)
American basketball player and coach
private university in Durham, North Carolina, USA

Duke suffers devastating Elite Eight loss to UConn

  • Duke led UConn by as many as 19 points during the game.
  • This defeat marked the third consecutive postseason collapse for Jon Scheyer.
  • Despite the loss, Scheyer received Coach of the Year honors and had a successful season overall.
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In the United States, the Duke Blue Devils faced a heartbreaking defeat against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament on March 26, 2026, ending their season in a dramatic fashion. The match unfolded with Duke initially taking a commanding lead, holding a 19-point advantage at one stage. However, UConn rallied back, ultimately winning the game 73-72 with a last-second three-pointer from freshman guard Braylon Mullins. This loss marked the third consecutive postseason collapse for Duke under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, leading to growing concerns about his ability to guide the team past critical moments in high-stakes games. Scheyer, visibly shocked by the outcome, expressed his disappointment, stating, "I don't have the words" to describe the unfolding of events. Despite this setback, Duke concluded the season with 35 wins, remaining undefeated at home, and securing both the ACC regular-season and conference tournament titles. Jon Scheyer, who has been recognized by his peers for his coaching prowess, was awarded the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division I Coach of the Year shortly after the tournament exit. His coaching journey has been closely observed since taking over the program in 2022 after legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski retired. While his recruiting strategy continues to attract top talent, including recent standout Cameron Boozer, it remains to be seen if Scheyer can overcome previous postseason struggles and lead the Blue Devils back to championship glory.

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