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Manassas Today
By the People, for the People
Duke Advances to Sweet 16 with Return of Injured Center Patrick Ngongba
Ngongba's impact in limited minutes sparks Duke's comeback win over TCU in NCAA Tournament
Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:13am
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Duke center Patrick Ngongba returned from a foot injury to play a key role off the bench, helping the Blue Devils rally from a two-point deficit and cruise to an 81-58 win over TCU in the NCAA Tournament second round. Ngongba, a 6-11, 250-pound sophomore, provided an immediate boost with his passing, interior scoring, and rebounding, allowing Duke's star forward Cameron Boozer to play more comfortably. Though Ngongba only played 13 minutes, his plus-minus of +20 highlighted his outsized impact on the game.
Why it matters
Duke was not the same team without Ngongba, as evidenced by their struggles in the five games he missed, including a narrow escape against Florida State and a halftime deficit against Siena in the NCAA Tournament opener. Ngongba's return provides Duke with a true center who can take pressure off Boozer and elevate the team's overall performance as they advance deeper into the tournament.
The details
Ngongba last played for Duke on March 2, contributing 11 points and 5 rebounds in a 29-point win over NC State. In the five games he missed, Duke's offensive and defensive efficiency dipped noticeably. With Ngongba back, Duke was able to play more players off the bench and get Boozer in more comfortable positions, rather than having the star forward operate as a center. Ngongba made an immediate impact, sparking a 26-6 run with his passing, defense, and interior scoring after checking into the game.
- Ngongba last appeared in a game for Duke on March 2.
- Ngongba checked into the NCAA Tournament second-round game against TCU at the 16:14 mark of the first half.
- Ngongba returned to the game about 4 minutes into the second half, helping Duke rally from a two-point deficit.
The players
Patrick Ngongba
A 6-11, 250-pound sophomore center from Manassas, Virginia who missed five games with a foot injury before returning in Duke's NCAA Tournament second-round win over TCU.
Cameron Boozer
Duke's All-American power forward who scored 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished 4 assists in the second NCAA Tournament game of his career.
Isaiah Evans
Duke guard who scored 17 points and assessed Ngongba's impact as providing a boost in passing, interior scoring, and rebounding.
What they’re saying
“Every aspect: passing, the interior scoring, another rebounder – and then another sub, another body.”
— Isaiah Evans, Duke Guard
“It was awesome. It was really good to see him out there, even if it was 15 minutes or whatever it was. Just having him out there makes us a way better team.”
— Cayden Boozer
What’s next
Duke will face the winner of the San Diego State-Creighton matchup in the Sweet 16.
The takeaway
Ngongba's return from injury provides a major boost for Duke, allowing them to play more comfortably and effectively as they look to make a deep NCAA Tournament run. His passing, defense, and interior presence take pressure off star forward Cameron Boozer and elevate the entire team's performance.
