Duke vs. UConn game preview, prediction (NCAA Tournament Elite Eight)

Duke and UConn are no strangers to facing off against each other in big-time games, and Sunday’s matchup in the Elite Eight will be among the most important. The Blue Devils come in as the top overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, winners of 14 straight games and have the leading candidate for the Wooden Award, Cameron Boozer, on their side. Jon Scheyer’s team has somehow grown stronger as the tournament has gone along, as Patrick Ngongba and Caleb Foster returned from injuries, the latter scoring all 11 of his points in the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St.

John’s in the Sweet 16. Dan Hurley’s squad stands in the way between Duke and a second straight trip to the Final Four. While the Blue Devils have a bunch of young stars, the Huskies are loaded with veterans, including seniors Tarris Reed Jr.

and Alex Karaban, who combined for 37 points in the 67-63 win against Michigan State. It might be the matchup between Boozer and Karaban that decides the game, and the Duke freshman is ready for the battle. “He's a great player,” Boozer said.

“Anyone who wins two National Championships is a big-time player, especially in those two runs. I think his off-ball movement is great, especially for someone his size. He's a great shooter.