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Foster's return catalyzes Duke
Caleb Foster's return from a broken foot, coming less than three weeks after surgery, proved to be the single most consequential new development in Duke's 80-75 win over St. John's.
“"Caleb Foster returned from a broken foot and rescued Duke’s national title hopes, helping the top-seeded Blue Devils rally from a 10-point second-half deficit to beat St. John’s 80-75 on Friday night."”
Across 18 minutes, Foster totaled 11 points, all in the second half, providing Duke with a much-needed spark as they erased a 10-point deficit.
Duke inserted Foster for Cayden Boozer and leaned into a zone defense that helped blunt St. John's pressure.
Analysts described his revival as a catalytic moment that reset Duke's late-game plan and opened the door for a top-seeded comeback.
Late surge, star contributions
Evans poured in 25 points and Boozer added 22 with 10 rebounds for the Blue Devils.
Boozer's 3-point play with 3:06 left gave Duke the lead.
Dillon Darling's potential game-tying 3-pointer came up with air as time expired.
Strategic shifts and mismatches
Duke inserted Foster for Cayden Boozer; zone defense followed to stabilize possessions.
“"Duke countered by inserting Foster for Cayden Boozer. He helped steady the offense a bit, and the Blue Devils went to a zone on defense."”
Duke outrebounded St. John's 40-27, showing interior aggressiveness and sequencing advantages.
St. John's had shown dangerous 3-point form, but Duke's defensive changes curbed crucial late looks.
Elite Eight berth secured
The win preserves Duke's momentum and extends the nation’s longest active winning streak to 14.
Duke will face the winner of the UConn–Michigan State game in the East Regional final.
St. John's limits and late fade
St. John's pushed early, relying on a stretch of 3s and Darling-Ejiofor bursts to build a late first-half lead and test Duke's resolve.
“"Ejiofor led the way with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists, and Bryce Hopkins had 15 points and seven rebounds."”
Dillon Darling finished with 17 points, while Ruben Prey supplied 12 off the bench for St. John's.
Duke's late adjustments—most notably Foster's insertion and the switch to zone—stifled the Red Storm down the stretch, sealing the win.