Jackson’s Hot Hand Sends Duke to Sweet 16: Duke Downs Oregon, 59-53
Duke secured its spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament with a hard-fought 59-53 victory over Oregon, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from sophomore guard Jackson. The Blue Devils’ defense was relentless, and Jackson’s timely shooting helped them hold off a tenacious Oregon team that refused to go down without a fight.
From the opening tip-off, both teams came out with intensity, understanding the stakes of the game. Duke, the higher-seeded team, was expected to advance, but Oregon’s gritty play and tough defense kept them in the hunt. The first half was a battle of attrition, with both teams exchanging leads and trading baskets in a defensive slugfest. Neither team was able to establish a consistent offensive rhythm, as Duke’s defense made life difficult for Oregon’s shooters and the Ducks struggled to break through the Blue Devils’ defense.
Jackson, who had been inconsistent through the tournament, found his rhythm midway through the first half. His scoring outburst sparked a crucial 12-4 run for Duke, allowing the Blue Devils to take a 29-23 lead into halftime. Jackson’s ability to hit shots from all over the court—whether it was from beyond the arc or off the dribble—kept Oregon on its heels and provided the Blue Devils with the offensive spark they needed.
Oregon, however, was not going down easily. The Ducks came out in the second half with renewed energy, and their defense tightened up. Senior guard Ethan Collins led Oregon’s charge, knocking down several crucial three-pointers and cutting Duke’s lead to just two points with under five minutes remaining. At this point, the game was a true nail-biter. With each possession, the pressure mounted for both teams, and it became clear that whoever could execute under pressure would walk away the victor.
Despite Oregon’s best efforts, Duke’s defense remained resolute. The Blue Devils stifled the Ducks’ offense with a combination of man-to-man pressure and strategic switches, forcing Oregon into tough, contested shots. Jackson, who had been the offensive catalyst for Duke, came up clutch in the final minutes, hitting a critical three-pointer and sinking free throws to seal the win. His 18-point performance, which included 4 three-pointers, was the difference-maker in the game.
In the final moments, Duke’s defense was the story. Oregon had one last chance to tie the game with a three-pointer, but Duke’s defense swarmed the shooter, forcing an airball. The Blue Devils secured the rebound and ran out the clock, booking their spot in the Sweet 16 with a 59-53 victory.
Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski praised his team’s resilience after the game. “It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way to win,” he said. “Oregon is a talented team, and they fought hard, but we executed when it mattered most.”
With the win, Duke advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face a much tougher opponent. However, with Jackson finding his shooting touch and the team playing strong defense, Duke will head into the next round with plenty of confidence. The Blue Devils are one step closer to another national title, but they will need to continue to play at a high level if they hope to make it to the Final Four.
