Duke Survived Another Late Scare Against Virginia Tech At The Buzzer

Once again, it was a white-knuckle finish for Duke fans on Friday night as the Blue Devils just narrowly escaped Virginia Tech at the buzzer to advance to the Elite Eight with a 75-73 win.

It was a heart-breaking end for the Hokies, who had multiple chances in the waning moments to steal a win from the Blue Devils, but ultimately weren’t able to convert a bucket when it mattered most.

Virginia Tech missed a potential game-winning three in the final seconds, but were able to regain possession after the ball went out of bounds on Duke. They then executed a near-perfect inbounds lob right at the basket, but it somehow rimmed out and ended the season for a scrappy Hokie squad that gave Duke everything they could handle and them some.

Zion Williamson led the way for Duke with 23 points and six assists, while Trae Jones and R.J. Barrett added 22 and 18 respectively.

Zion once again treated viewers to his usual array of highlights that required the suspension of disbelief, starting with a monster two-handed put-back, and later with an outrageous weak-side block in the first half.

Then, about midway through the second half with the Blue Devils working on a healthy lead, Zion took flight on the fast-break and hammered home this gorgeous lob from half-court.

Zion was pretty much everywhere on Friday night, as he came up big on the defensive once again to save a bucket with about five minutes remaining in the contest, then completed this gorgeous spin-move for the tomahawk jam in the lane.

Duke will head to the Elite Eight on Sunday against Michigan St., who beat LSU 80-63 on Friday night.