Duke Begins NCAA Tournament with 93-49 Win Over Mount St. Mary’s – Duke University
The Duke Blue Devils wasted no time asserting their dominance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, obliterating Mount St. Mary’s 93-49 in the first round on March 21, 2025. From the opening tip, Duke’s high-powered offense and suffocating defense were too much for the Mountaineers to handle, as the Blue Devils proved why they’re the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
The game, which was played at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium, served as an emphatic statement to the rest of the field: Duke is here to play, and they’re coming for a national championship. With a mix of explosive scoring, excellent ball movement, and lockdown defense, the Blue Devils demonstrated why they’re one of the most feared teams in college basketball. The 44-point margin of victory was a reflection of their sheer superiority on both ends of the floor.
For Duke, it was the perfect start to what they hope will be a long run in March Madness. The Blue Devils, led by star freshman Cooper Flagg, were clinical in their performance, not leaving any room for doubt about their national title aspirations. With the win, they advance to the second round of the tournament, where a much tougher challenge awaits.
Duke’s Offensive Showcase: A Well-Oiled Machine
From the very beginning of the game, Duke showed why their offense has been so potent all season. The Blue Devils jumped out to a commanding 15-2 lead within the first five minutes of the game, demonstrating their ability to get easy baskets both in transition and in the half court. The Mountaineers had no answer for Duke’s up-tempo offense and sharp ball movement.
Carrington Jones: The Engine Behind Duke’s Offense
A major contributor to Duke’s early lead was Carrington Jones, the highly touted freshman guard. Jones, who had been the talk of college basketball since the start of the season, showcased why he is considered one of the top prospects in the country. He finished the game with 23 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Jones had a hot hand from beyond the arc, knocking down 5 of his 7 three-point attempts. His ability to stretch the floor and create plays for others allowed Duke to break down Mount St. Mary’s defense with ease.
“Carrington has been exceptional all year, and today was no different,” said Coach Jon Scheyer after the game. “He’s a special player, and he’s been showing it all season. His shooting and playmaking ability makes him one of the most difficult matchups in college basketball.”
Jones was especially effective in the first half, scoring 15 points and playing a major role in Duke’s 47-22 halftime lead. His ability to score in a variety of ways, from deep three-pointers to quick pull-up jumpers, kept the Mountaineers’ defense on their heels and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Elijah Grant: Dominating the Paint
While Jones stole the spotlight in the backcourt, Elijah Grant was equally dominant in the frontcourt. The 6-foot-9 sophomore forward was a constant force in the paint, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Grant’s ability to dominate inside was a key factor in Duke’s success, as Mount St. Mary’s had no answer for his physicality. He used his size and athleticism to finish strong at the rim and clean up the glass on both ends.
Grant’s performance was crucial in Duke’s rebounding efforts, as the Blue Devils out-rebounded the Mountaineers 44-24. His relentless pursuit of the ball, combined with his scoring inside, allowed Duke to keep the pressure on Mount St. Mary’s throughout the game. With his ability to score and defend, Grant has proven to be one of the most valuable players on the team, and his performance in this game was a testament to his growth as a player.
“Having Elijah inside provides us with a huge advantage,” said Coach Scheyer. “He’s been a key part of our success all season, and today he showed why he’s one of the best big men in the country.”
Amir Robinson and Caleb Thompson: Veteran Leadership
While Duke’s freshmen have garnered much of the attention, the Blue Devils’ upperclassmen also played a pivotal role in the win. Amir Robinson, the senior point guard, displayed his leadership and playmaking ability, finishing the game with 8 points, 9 assists, and 4 steals. Robinson was instrumental in keeping Duke’s offense flowing smoothly, especially in the first half when the game was still in reach for Mount St. Mary’s. His ability to control the tempo, set up teammates, and make plays in transition was key to Duke’s offensive success.
“Amir is the floor general for us,” said Scheyer. “His decision-making and ability to run the offense have been crucial all season. He has the poise and experience to keep the team calm and focused in big moments.”
Caleb Thompson, a sophomore guard, also contributed to Duke’s offensive outburst, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Thompson’s ability to knock down outside shots helped spread the floor for Duke, making it even more difficult for Mount St. Mary’s to defend. Whether it was driving to the basket or spotting up for a three, Thompson’s scoring versatility was a valuable asset for Duke.
Mount St. Mary’s Struggles: Overpowered by Duke’s Defense
On the other side, Mount St. Mary’s struggled to find any rhythm offensively, thanks in large part to Duke’s suffocating defense. The Blue Devils held the Mountaineers to just 32.1% shooting from the field and 20% from beyond the arc. Mount St. Mary’s had no answer for Duke’s length, athleticism, and defensive intensity, and their inability to generate good looks led to several missed shots and turnovers.
The Mountaineers were forced to rely on Cameron Jefferson, their leading scorer, to carry the offense. Jefferson finished with 13 points, but his shooting was inefficient, as he shot just 5-of-14 from the field. Jefferson tried his best to create offense, but he often found himself facing multiple defenders, unable to break through Duke’s defensive schemes.
“I give credit to Duke’s defense,” said Mount St. Mary’s coach Dan Engelstad after the game. “They made it very difficult for us to run our offense. We couldn’t get the looks we wanted, and when we did, they were contested.”
In addition to their shooting struggles, Mount St. Mary’s also had difficulty handling Duke’s pressure. The Blue Devils forced the Mountaineers into 16 turnovers, which Duke turned into 22 points off turnovers. Duke’s fast-break offense capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 20 fast-break points and pushing the tempo at every opportunity.
Mount St. Mary’s was simply outmatched in every facet of the game. Their offense was stagnant, their defense was porous, and their inability to control the pace allowed Duke to run away with the game. It was a tough experience for the Mountaineers, who had hoped to make a run in the tournament, but Duke’s sheer talent and depth proved to be too much to overcome.
Duke’s Defensive Dominance: The Foundation of Success
While Duke’s offense received much of the attention, their defense was equally impressive in this game. The Blue Devils’ ability to switch on screens, close out on shooters, and protect the rim was evident throughout the contest. Elijah Grant and Cooper Flagg anchored the defense, with both players blocking shots and altering others in the paint. Their ability to defend multiple positions allowed Duke to seamlessly switch defensive schemes and keep Mount St. Mary’s off balance.
Duke’s perimeter defense was also top-notch, as they forced Mount St. Mary’s to miss 12 of their 15 three-point attempts. Flagg, in particular, was a key disruptor on the defensive end, using his length and athleticism to contest shots and force turnovers. He finished with 4 blocks and 2 steals, showcasing his elite defensive skills.
“We’ve been working hard on defense all season, and it’s paying off,” said Flagg. “We’ve got guys who can guard multiple positions, and we really pride ourselves on being able to lock teams down.”
With their combination of offensive firepower and defensive excellence, Duke has proven they are one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. Their ability to execute on both ends of the floor makes them a tough opponent for any team, and they will look to carry this momentum into the next round of the tournament.
Final Box Score Breakdown:
| Team | Points | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Blue Devils | 93 | 54.2% | 41.7% | 75.0% | 44 | 21 | 9 | 10 |
| Mount St. Mary’s | 49 | 32.1% | 20.0% | 66.7% | 24 | 8 | 16 | 3 |
A Perfect Start for Duke
Duke’s 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s was a comprehensive performance that showcased the Blue Devils’ depth, talent, and determination. The game was never in doubt, as Duke took control early and never looked back. With Cooper Flagg, Carrington Jones, and Elijah Grant leading the charge, the Blue Devils appear poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
As Duke prepares for their next opponent, they will enter the second round with confidence and momentum. With their blend of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and depth, the Blue Devils will be a tough out for any team in the tournament. For now, though, Duke can savor this dominant first-round victory, knowing that the road to the national title is just beginning.