Duke Wins The National Championship With 68-63 Victory Over Wisconsin

Duke and Wisconsin traded blows in a hard-fought first half, but neither side was able to gain much of an advantage as they went into halftime tied 31-31. The Badgers started the second half on a quick run to build a nine-point lead, but Duke climbed back and took a 56-54 lead with five minutes left in the game.

After trading the lead again a few times, Duke went on a 10-0 run to take an eight point lead with over a minute left. A late Wisconsin flurry cut the lead to three, but the Blue Devils were able to hold the Badgers off and secure the victory.

Turning Point:

With Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow on the bench in foul trouble, Duke went on an 11-3 that was sparked by eight straight points from Grayson Allen. That run cut a nine-point deficit down to one, and it created the momentum the Blue Devils used get back into the game and eventually take the lead.

Key Stat:

Wisconsin is one of the best free throw shooting teams in the country, but Duke was able to get to the line more and shot it more effectively. The Badgers were just 6/10 (60 percent) from the charity stripe, while the Blue Devils went 16/20 (80 percent). Those extra points proved to be the difference in the game.

Duke MVP:

Okafor was limited to 10 points because of foul trouble, but Tyus Jones stepped up and led the charge for the Blue Devils in this one, scoring 23 points and grabbing five rebounds. Allen was also a big factor with 14 points off the bench.

Wisconsin MVP:

Frank Kaminsky showed why he was named National Player of the Year as he finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to lead the Badgers to a win.