Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers vs. Duke Blue Devils – Final Score: 93-49, March 21, 2025 NCAA Tournament First Round

In one of the most lopsided games of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils showcased their offensive prowess and defensive supremacy, cruising to a dominant 93-49 victory over the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers in the first round of March Madness. The game, held on March 21, 2025, was a complete mismatch from the start, as Duke’s superior athleticism, depth, and talent overwhelmed Mount St. Mary’s, a team that had earned its place in the tournament by winning the NEC Championship.

From the opening tip-off, Duke exerted control, using a potent offensive attack and a stifling defense to leave little room for the Mountaineers to mount any meaningful challenges. With standout performances from their stars, particularly freshman sensation Carrington Jones, Duke quickly built an insurmountable lead, and by halftime, the game was effectively decided. This victory, which advances Duke to the second round of the tournament, served as a statement to the rest of the field that the Blue Devils are ready to make a serious run at the national title.

Duke’s Offensive Explosion: A Scoring Showcase

Duke’s offense was firing on all cylinders from the opening buzzer. The Blue Devils, who have long been known for their fast-paced and high-scoring style, put on an absolute clinic in how to efficiently break down a defense. The Mountaineers simply had no answer for Duke’s perimeter shooting, explosive transition game, or ability to attack the rim with ferocity.

Carrington Jones: The Freshman Phenomenon

Carrington Jones, the highly-touted freshman guard who has been one of the most talked-about prospects in college basketball, was nothing short of spectacular. Jones finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in one of his most impressive performances of the season. His ability to score from all over the floor was on full display as he drained 5 of his 8 three-point attempts, showing the range that has made him one of the top NBA prospects in the country.

The 6-foot-5 guard was at his best in the first half, when he scored 15 points, leading Duke to a 47-22 halftime advantage. Whether it was a deep three-pointer from the wing, a pull-up jumper off the dribble, or finishing in transition, Jones showcased his complete offensive skill set. His ability to break down defenders off the dribble forced Mount St. Mary’s into difficult situations, as they couldn’t contain him one-on-one.

Jones also demonstrated his playmaking ability, setting up teammates for easy shots and contributing to Duke’s ball movement, which resulted in an impressive 21 team assists. His versatility in the offense made him a nightmare for Mount St. Mary’s to defend, and he played a crucial role in the Blue Devils’ overwhelming success.

Elijah Grant: Dominating the Paint

While Carrington Jones garnered much of the attention for his scoring exploits, sophomore forward Elijah Grant was equally impressive. Grant, a 6-foot-9 forward known for his ability to dominate inside, finished with a double-double, posting 18 points and 10 rebounds. Grant’s presence in the paint was a constant problem for Mount St. Mary’s, as he was able to finish around the rim with ease and use his size and athleticism to secure offensive rebounds.

Grant’s ability to control the boards was vital for Duke, who finished with 41 total rebounds, nearly doubling the Mountaineers’ 24. His relentless pursuit of the ball led to several second-chance opportunities for the Blue Devils, keeping Mount St. Mary’s on the defensive and allowing Duke to maintain their high-scoring pace.

Grant also made his presence felt defensively, blocking 3 shots and altering several others in the paint. His ability to patrol the rim helped Duke build a wall around the basket, making it difficult for Mount St. Mary’s to score inside. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and defense made him one of the standout players of the game.

The Backcourt’s Effort: Amir Robinson and Caleb Thompson

While Jones and Grant stole the headlines, Duke’s backcourt also contributed heavily to the Blue Devils’ offensive success. Amir Robinson, the senior point guard who has been the leader of this team all season, was excellent at facilitating the offense. Robinson finished with 10 points, 8 assists, and 5 steals, showcasing his leadership and ability to run the offense efficiently.

Robinson’s court vision allowed him to find open shooters and set up easy baskets for his teammates, especially in transition. He played an essential role in controlling the tempo of the game, ensuring that Duke’s offense remained fluid and efficient. His ability to handle the ball under pressure also helped Duke break down Mount St. Mary’s defensive schemes.

Caleb Thompson, a sophomore guard known for his sharpshooting, also contributed to the offensive explosion. Thompson scored 12 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. His shooting helped spread the floor and forced Mount St. Mary’s to respect Duke’s shooting range. Thompson’s perimeter shooting, along with Jones’s ability to drive and create for others, made Duke nearly impossible to defend.

Mount St. Mary’s Struggles: Inability to Contain Duke

On the other side of the court, Mount St. Mary’s faced an uphill battle from the very beginning. Despite entering the tournament as the NEC champions, the Mountaineers were severely overmatched against Duke, and their struggles were evident throughout the game.

Cameron Jefferson: Mount St. Mary’s Lone Bright Spot

Cameron Jefferson, the Mountaineers’ leading scorer, did everything he could to keep his team competitive. Jefferson finished the game with 12 points, but his shooting efficiency was a major concern. He shot just 5-of-14 from the field, often being forced into difficult shots by Duke’s relentless defense. While he displayed flashes of his scoring ability, he was unable to carry the load for Mount St. Mary’s, especially as Duke continued to push their lead further and further out of reach.

Jefferson, who has been the heart and soul of this Mount St. Mary’s team all season, simply did not have the support needed to counter Duke’s offensive firepower. The lack of help from his teammates, combined with Duke’s suffocating defense, made it incredibly difficult for Mount St. Mary’s to find any rhythm offensively.

Defensive Breakdown and Turnovers

Defensively, Mount St. Mary’s was unable to contain Duke’s balanced scoring attack. The Blue Devils’ ability to stretch the floor and attack from all angles kept the Mountaineers on their heels. Duke shot 54.2% from the field and 43% from three-point range, both marks that were far too high for Mount St. Mary’s to overcome.

Mount St. Mary’s also struggled with turnovers, committing 16 in the game. Duke capitalized on these turnovers, scoring 24 points off the Mountaineers’ mistakes. The pressure that Duke applied on defense was relentless, forcing Mount St. Mary’s into difficult decisions and rushed shots. The Mountaineers only recorded 6 assists as a team, compared to Duke’s 21, further emphasizing their struggles to generate any kind of offensive flow.

In addition to their turnovers, Mount St. Mary’s was unable to rebound effectively. Duke’s size and athleticism proved to be too much, as the Blue Devils grabbed 41 rebounds, compared to Mount St. Mary’s 24. This disparity in rebounding led to several second-chance points for Duke, further extending their lead.

Duke’s Defensive Mastery: Total Control

While the Blue Devils’ offense garnered much of the attention, their defense was equally impressive. Duke held Mount St. Mary’s to just 32.1% shooting from the field and 20% from beyond the arc. The Mountaineers struggled to create open shots, and when they did manage to get a good look, they were often contested by Duke’s length and athleticism.

The Blue Devils’ defense was particularly effective at closing out on shooters, limiting Mount St. Mary’s to just 3-of-15 from three-point range. Duke also did an excellent job of defending the rim, with Elijah Grant and others blocking shots and altering attempts throughout the game. The Mountaineers had no space to operate in the paint, and as a result, their offense became stagnant and inefficient.

Additionally, Duke’s defense led to fast-break opportunities, with the Blue Devils scoring 22 points in transition. Mount St. Mary’s, on the other hand, managed just 4 fast-break points, highlighting Duke’s ability to control the pace and keep the Mountaineers from finding any rhythm in the half-court.

Final Box Score Breakdown:

Team	Points	FG%	3P%	FT%	Rebounds	Assists	Turnovers	Steals
Duke Blue Devils	93	54.2%	43.0%	72.7%	41	21	9	9
Mount St. Mary’s	49	32.1%	20.0%	60.0%	24	6	16	3

A Statement Win for Duke

Duke’s 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s was a comprehensive performance that showcased the Blue Devils’ dominance on both ends of the floor. With Carrington Jones leading the way offensively and Elijah Grant controlling the paint, Duke’s depth and talent were simply too much for the Mountaineers to handle.

The Blue Devils have sent a message to the rest of the tournament field with this commanding win. As they prepare for their next opponent, Duke will be riding high on this momentum and looking to continue their march through March Madness. For Mount St. Mary’s, while the loss was a tough one, the experience of making the tournament will be valuable for the program going forward.

For Duke, it’s onward to the next round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face tougher challenges. But if they continue to play at this level, the Blue Devils will be a formidable force as they chase their next national title.