INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Blue Devils are back where they believe they belong. In a thrilling Elite Eight showdown, the Duke men’s basketball team punched its ticket to the NCAA Final Four, reasserting its place among the nation’s elite with a 78–71 victory over a tough opponent that had no plans of backing down…

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Blue Devils are back where they believe they belong. In a thrilling Elite Eight showdown, the Duke men’s basketball team punched its ticket to the NCAA Final Four, reasserting its place among the nation’s elite with a 78–71 victory over a tough opponent that had no plans of backing down.

For Duke fans, the chant “Here comes Duke!” has never sounded sweeter.

Led by head coach Jon Scheyer in just his second tournament run since succeeding the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils are writing a new chapter in the program’s storied history. After a rocky start to the season, Duke found its rhythm at exactly the right time. With smart ball movement, defensive grit, and flashes of individual brilliance, this team has grown into a dangerous force on the national stage.

“This is what Duke Basketball is all about,” Scheyer said after the win. “Toughness, togetherness, and belief. I couldn’t be prouder of our guys. They’ve earned this.”

Sophomore guard Caleb Foster was electric, dropping 22 points and grabbing five rebounds, while freshman forward Khaman Maluach dominated the paint with 14 points, nine boards, and three blocks. Veteran Jeremy Roach added clutch leadership and timely shooting that helped Duke stave off a late-game rally.

Duke’s return to the Final Four marks its 18th appearance — second-most in NCAA history — and the first since 2022. For Scheyer, a former Duke player himself, it’s a full-circle moment. “I’ve played in this game. I know what it means. But coaching these guys to this level… it’s special in a different way.”

The road to the Final Four wasn’t easy. The Blue Devils navigated a loaded bracket, including a statement Sweet 16 win over a top-seeded Kansas squad. Their defense has been suffocating, holding opponents under 70 points in every tournament game so far, while their offense has surged behind efficient shooting and ball control.

Back in Durham, celebrations erupted across campus as fans poured into the streets, singing the Duke fight song and waving blue-and-white flags late into the night.

“Final Four, baby! This team never gave up,” said sophomore student Emily Reyes. “We’re not just here — we’re here to win it all.”

Now, the focus shifts to the national semifinal, where Duke will face a red-hot [opponent team TBD] squad with its own Final Four dreams. With momentum on their side and a growing sense of destiny, the Blue Devils are looking to add another banner to the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium.

One thing is clear: Duke is back. And they’re not just visiting the Final Four — they’re planning to stay awhile

Here comes Duke. 😈