…and all of college basketball thanks you.
This has to rank in the Top 3 of Epic Duke double-digit second half Tournament Collapses.
My ranking:
3. 2002. Playing a 5-seed Indiana in the Sweet 16 in Rupp Arena, Duke is up 17 inside 12 minutes-and pretty much falls apart. IU is up 4 with 4 seconds to go when Jay Williams hits a 3- and is fouled. A free throw sends it to OT, but he misses. Duke gets the offensive rebound, and misses a put back. Given the way the tourney plays out, this likely costs Duke a title.
1. (Tie) Last night. Up 14 with 8.01 to go, and 9 with 2:07 to go, Duke loses to Houston in the Final Four. Strong likelihood this costs Duke a title.
1. (Tie) 1998. St. Petersburg. Duke is up 17 with 9:17 to go. Kentucky storms back to revenge 1992. Cats win championship. This loss possibly costs Duke that title.
Am I missing any Duke historic losses? I know they were a heavy favorite over UConn one year and lost but that was a closer game throughout.