NCAA Men’s Tournament Guide: Lenovo Center in Raleigh to Host First and Second Round Games, Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s on Friday
As the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament rapidly approaches, excitement builds nationwide for the annual spectacle of March Madness. Fans are eagerly preparing for the first round of games, where potential upsets and thrilling performances will capture attention. This year, one of the tournament’s most anticipated locations is the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The state-of-the-art arena will play host to several critical matchups during the first and second rounds, including a highly anticipated game between the Duke Blue Devils and Mount St. Mary’s on Friday.
The Lenovo Center, known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich basketball tradition, will be the setting for a weekend of intense college basketball action. As always, the NCAA Tournament brings together the nation’s best teams, from powerhouses like Duke to underdogs that are eager to make a splash. The venue will be filled with passionate fans, and the energy will be palpable as Duke, with its rich tournament pedigree, takes on Mount St. Mary’s—a team looking to pull off one of March Madness’ signature upsets.
In this guide, we will take a comprehensive look at the tournament’s first and second rounds in Raleigh, breaking down the significance of the Lenovo Center, what to expect from the Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s matchup, and how the broader tournament landscape is shaping up. Whether you’re attending the games in person or following from home, here’s everything you need to know.
Lenovo Center: The Host Venue
Located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, the Lenovo Center is an ideal setting for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament. As a modern, multi-purpose arena, the Lenovo Center has hosted a variety of high-profile events, including NCAA basketball games, concerts, and sporting events. Its layout and amenities make it a fan-friendly venue, offering excellent sightlines and a lively atmosphere that is perfect for March Madness.
The Lenovo Center has been a fixture in the Triangle region of North Carolina, one of the most basketball-obsessed areas in the country. The center is located just a short drive from some of college basketball’s most famous programs, including the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University in Raleigh, and Duke University in Durham. This proximity to college basketball powerhouses ensures that the games at the Lenovo Center will attract enthusiastic crowds, with both local fans and those traveling from across the country.
Key Features of the Lenovo Center:
- Capacity: Approximately 19,000 for basketball games, providing an intimate yet raucous environment for March Madness.
- Location: Situated in downtown Raleigh, the center offers easy access to hotels, restaurants, and other attractions, making it an excellent destination for basketball fans.
- History: The Lenovo Center has hosted several NCAA tournament games in the past, as well as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Basketball Tournament. It is known for its high-energy atmosphere during big games, which will undoubtedly be in full force during the NCAA Tournament.
The venue will see a packed crowd for the first and second-round games, with fans eagerly anticipating each contest. The rich history and tradition of the arena only add to the excitement surrounding the tournament’s return to Raleigh.
Duke Blue Devils: A Tournament Powerhouse
No conversation about the NCAA Tournament would be complete without mentioning the Duke Blue Devils, one of the most successful programs in college basketball history. Over the years, Duke has been a consistent contender for national championships, thanks in part to legendary coaches, standout players, and a winning culture. While Mike Krzyzewski, the program’s long-time head coach, retired in 2022, his successor Jon Scheyer has continued the Duke tradition of excellence.
Duke enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament as a team with high expectations. The Blue Devils have a talented and deep roster, with players who are capable of making a deep run. Duke is known for producing NBA-level talent, and this year’s squad is no exception. The Blue Devils are loaded with top-tier talent, including standout players such as Tyrese Proctor, Kyle Filipowski, and Mark Mitchell. These players have been critical to Duke’s success throughout the season, and they will need to step up in the tournament if the Blue Devils are to contend for the national championship.
Key Players to Watch:
- Tyrese Proctor (Point Guard): A dynamic playmaker, Proctor is the engine that drives Duke’s offense. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates is crucial to the team’s success.
- Kyle Filipowski (Forward): Filipowski has the versatility to impact the game in many ways. Whether scoring inside or shooting from the perimeter, he is one of the most well-rounded players on Duke’s roster.
- Mark Mitchell (Wing): A strong defender with the ability to score in transition, Mitchell’s athleticism makes him a key player for the Blue Devils.
Duke’s offense will likely be their biggest weapon, but their defense, led by players like Mitchell and Dariq Whitehead, will also be critical in tournament play. With the Duke faithful cheering them on at the Lenovo Center, the Blue Devils will look to make a statement early in the tournament.
Mount St. Mary’s: The Underdog Ready to Shock
As much as the NCAA Tournament is about the heavy favorites, it is also a time for underdogs to make a name for themselves. This year, Mount St. Mary’s University, a small school from Emmitsburg, Maryland, enters the tournament with a chip on its shoulder. Known for their scrappy style of play and never-say-die attitude, Mount St. Mary’s is no stranger to upsets in the NCAA Tournament. This year, they hope to pull off a monumental surprise in the first round.
Mount St. Mary’s earned its spot in the tournament after a solid season in the Northeast Conference (NEC), where they secured a spot in the field of 68. While they may be considered underdogs against a powerhouse like Duke, the Mountaineers have proven that they can compete with the best teams in the nation when they play with intensity and focus. Their ability to play strong defense and control the tempo of the game could make them a formidable opponent for the Blue Devils.
Key Players for Mount St. Mary’s:
- Jalen Jenkins (Guard): Jenkins is the heart of Mount St. Mary’s offense, capable of scoring in a variety of ways. He will need to play a significant role in leading the team against Duke.
- Josh Reaves (Forward): Known for his rebounding and defensive prowess, Reaves will be tasked with limiting Duke’s frontcourt players like Filipowski and Dariq Whitehead.
Mount St. Mary’s will need to play a near-perfect game to keep pace with Duke. They will rely on a strong defensive game plan, limiting Duke’s fast breaks, and controlling the tempo. With nothing to lose, the Mountaineers could pull off one of March Madness’ classic upsets, a victory that would make their mark on the tournament.
What to Expect from Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s
The matchup between Duke and Mount St. Mary’s, scheduled for Friday at the Lenovo Center, is sure to be one of the most talked-about games of the first round. While Duke enters the game as a heavy favorite, the unpredictable nature of the NCAA Tournament means that Mount St. Mary’s will not back down without a fight. The key for Duke will be to establish their dominance early and impose their physicality on the game. If they can execute their offensive sets and keep the pressure on Mount St. Mary’s, they should be able to secure a comfortable victory.
However, if Mount St. Mary’s can disrupt Duke’s offensive rhythm with their defense and slow the game down, they might be able to hang around longer than expected. For Duke, staying patient and not underestimating their opponent will be critical. The Blue Devils will need to balance their high-powered offense with solid defense, making sure they don’t get caught up in a high-scoring shootout that could favor an underdog like Mount St. Mary’s.
The Broader Tournament Landscape
While Duke is one of the most prominent teams in this year’s tournament, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is always filled with surprises. As teams across the country prepare for their first and second-round matchups, several storylines will unfold. Will a lower seed surprise a top-ranked team? Which players will emerge as stars? Who will be this year’s Cinderella story?
For Duke, the path to the Final Four will not be easy. They may face teams with elite scoring threats, or programs known for their defensive toughness. The competition will be fierce, and every game is an opportunity for a potential upset. That’s the beauty of March Madness—it’s anyone’s game, and every moment counts.