Duke is Duked

Duke Is Duked

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski has a Wooden-esque nine Final Four appearances and three national championships in 22 seasons, but here are his not-so-elite eight NCAA tournament moments--including Thursday’s stunning 74-73 loss to Indiana:

1987

Round of 16, Midwest Regional

No. 1 Indiana 88, No. 5 Duke 82

* Krzyzewski didn’t enjoy going against mentor Bob Knight.

1993

Second Round, Midwest Regional

No. 6 California 82, No. 3 Duke 77

* A year after winning a second consecutive national championship, the Blue Devils are unceremoniously bounced from the tournament by Jason Kidd and Co.

1996

First Round, Southeast Regional

No. 9 Eastern Mich. 75, No. 8 Duke 60

* The Blue Devils, coming off an 13-18 season, and Krzyzewski, coming off back surgery, were both on the mend, giving Eastern Michigan’s little big man (and future Clipper) Earl Boykins a chance to slice and dice his way to 23 points.

1997

Second Round, Southeast Regional

No. 10 Providence 98, No. 2 Duke 87

* The Blue Devils seemed to be rounding back into national-power form, but in this game the power was with Austin Croshere and the Friars.

1998

Round of Eight, South Regional

No. 2 Kentucky 86, No. 1 Duke 84

* The Wildcats get some revenge for Christian Laettner’s game-winning shot at the buzzer in 1992 East Regional final, overcoming a 18-point deficit.

1999

National championship game

Connecticut 77, Duke 74

* More payback by a Blue Devil opponent for a Laettner game-winning shot (1990 East Regional final). Richard Hamilton lets ‘er rip for 27 points as Huskies prevent Duke from finishing with the most victories in an NCAA Division I season.

2000

Round of 16, East Regional

No. 5 Florida 87, No. 1 Duke 78

* The Blue Devils learn what power of the press is all about, wilting under Florida’s full-court pressure.

2002

Round of 16, South Regional

No. 5 Indiana 74, No. 1 Duke 73

* Blue Devils’ stunning loss has movie studios scrambling to be first in line for “Hoosiers II.”

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Jim Rhode