The Final Four of the NCAA Tournament is set, and it does not include the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils, who suffered a devastating 73-72 loss to the No. 2 UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight over the weekend.
Duke led by as many as 19 points and still held a two-point lead with the ball in the final seconds. But instead of holding possession, they attempted to advance the ball past half court, which led to a tipped pass, a turnover, and ultimately a game-winning three-pointer from UConn freshman Braylon Mullins that left just 0.4 seconds remaining.
Despite the loss, Duke still had a tremendous season, winning 35 games, going undefeated at home, and capturing both the ACC regular season and conference tournament titles.
The team also collected several individual accolades, highlighted by freshman star Cameron Boozer. On Tuesday, just days after the loss, he was named NABC Player of the Year, Pete Newell Big Man of the Year, and Freshman of the Year.
In doing so, Boozer became the first player ever to sweep the NABC Division I awards in the same season.
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Boozer recorded 27 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in the loss to UConn. Over the course of the NCAA Tournament, he posted three double-doubles while scoring at least 19 points in each game.
On the season, starting all 38 games, he averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc.
After playing his final game with Duke, a season that will certainly be remembered, he reflected on his time with the program despite the raw emotion.
“It meant everything. Coming here, I’ve learned so much as a player and a person,” Boozer said. “The coaches and players — I just love everyone around me here. I’m just so thankful for this opportunity.”
More news: ESPN’s Dick Vitale Asks for Prayers Ahead of Men’s Final Four
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