NCAAM Basketball Scoreboard

Auto Update: On

Now

Myron Medcalf ESPN Staff Writer 

Duke's freshmen have a good understanding of the moment and how they have to respond. Auburn hit a pair of big shots in the last five minutes that RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish countered on the other end with 3-pointers. That's how you squash an opposing team's late momentum. They're just not allowing Auburn to get too hopeful in the final minutes.

Myron Medcalf ESPN Staff Writer 

The consistent theme for Duke this season has been its ability to maintain the same effort for 40 minutes. They're in great shape. That matters. Auburn made that great run in the first half but now the Tigers look fatigued again. Duke just has constant energy. Will be difficult for any team in America to match that.

Myron Medcalf ESPN Staff Writer 

Impressive rally by Auburn to finish that half. Yeah, they're down by 8 entering halftime but Auburn could have gone into the break with a 30-point deficit after Bryce Brown and Jared Harper couldn't find the rim early. This is the kinda challenge Duke will face this season. Auburn has veterans. They're fighting back. Let's see if Auburn can keep that same energy in the second half.

Myron Medcalf ESPN Staff Writer 

In Maui, Tre Jones, just like his brother Tyus Jones, is emerging as a critical leader for this team. He has that business-like demeanor. His brother, the Most Outstanding Player in the 2015 Final Four, had the same makeup. The Jones boys don't change even when the situation does. Down 10. Up 15. Tied game. Doesn't matter. They're the same. Most freshmen don't have that.

Myron Medcalf ESPN Staff Writer 

The key to this game for Duke is not a mystery. Blue Devils have to pressure Auburn's talented guards, Bryce Brown and Jared Harper. They're succeeding. Brown and Harper started this game 1-for-8. The Blue Devils are putting a lot of pressure on those two in space and at the rim. Tigers need more from their backcourt to close this gap.