Duke rallies past St. John's, advances to Elite Eight

Caleb Foster's return from injury sparks Blue Devils' comeback win

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:06am

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Top-seeded Duke overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat St. John's 80-75 and advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Sophomore guard Caleb Foster, who had missed time due to a broken foot, returned to the lineup and played a key role in the Blue Devils' comeback victory.

Why it matters

Duke's win keeps the Blue Devils' national championship aspirations alive, as they remain one of the top contenders to win the NCAA title. The comeback victory also showcases the team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity, which will be crucial as they continue their tournament run.

The details

Down 10 points early in the second half, Duke rallied behind the play of Foster, who scored 18 points and dished out 6 assists to lead the Blue Devils' charge. The sophomore guard provided a much-needed spark, helping Duke regain its footing and eventually take control of the game in the closing minutes.

  • Duke trailed St. John's by 10 points early in the second half.
  • Caleb Foster returned to the lineup after missing time due to a broken foot.

The players

Caleb Foster

A sophomore guard for Duke University, who returned from a broken foot to lead the Blue Devils' comeback victory over St. John's.

Duke University

The top-seeded team in the NCAA Tournament, known for its storied basketball program and national championship aspirations.

St. John's

The opponent that Duke defeated in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Caleb's return was a huge boost for us. He's a leader on this team, and his playmaking and scoring ability were critical in getting us back in the game.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University

What’s next

Duke will face the winner of the Gonzaga-Arkansas matchup in the Elite Eight, with a spot in the Final Four on the line.

The takeaway

Duke's comeback victory over St. John's showcases the team's resilience and the importance of having key players like Caleb Foster healthy and contributing at the right time. As the Blue Devils continue their quest for a national championship, their ability to overcome adversity will be crucial.