With Dillon Brooks leading the charge, the Oregon Ducks (31-6) outplayed and outworked the defending champion Duke Blue Devils (25-11) 82-68 to advance to the NCAA tournament finals on Thursday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Brooks scored 22 points during regulation, which included for 3-pointers while Elgin Cook checked in with 16 points and nine rebounds while Jordan Bell added 13 points and seven rebounds to solidify the victory. With the win, Oregon advances to their first regional final since 2007.
Ahead by five points at halftime, Oregon withstood a late serge by Duke that narrowed the lead to one but the Blue Devils fell short of to taking control back from the stronger, more athletic Duck Squad. Completely overmatched, Duke lone moments of greatness came from freshman Brandon Ingram tipped in 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and two steals.
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Even without the expected offensive onslaught by Buddy Hield, the Sooners once again showed they are the time that can take it all. With Jordan Woodard tossing in 22 points and Hiedl adding 17 points and 10 rebounds, Oklahoma (28-7) defeated an ice cold Texas A&M 77-63 to advance to the elite 8.
So poor was the Aggie offense contribution in the second quarter that nearly seven minutes without scoring before Tonny Trocha-Morelos scored a layup to pull them to 24-20 with just over 9 minutes left in regulation before the half. Christian James added 12 points for Oklahoma while Spangler and Lattin had 10 apiece. Jalen Jones had 11 for the Aggies while Danuel House scored 10.
