Duke

Photos: Duke defeats St. John’s in the NCAA Sweet 16

By Ethan Hyman and Robert Willett
The Duke bench including Patrick Ngongba II (21) and Sebastian Wilkins celebrate after Cameron Boozer made the basket while being fouled during the second half of DukeÕs 80-75 victory over St. JohnÕs in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA MenÕs Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
The Duke bench including Patrick Ngongba II (21) and Sebastian Wilkins celebrate after Cameron Boozer made the basket while being fouled during the second half of DukeÕs 80-75 victory over St. JohnÕs in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA MenÕs Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The Duke men’s basketball team held on to defeat St. John’s 80-75 , seeded fifth in the East Region, in a nail-biter in the semifinals of the East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. , Friday, March 27, 2026.

The Sweet 16 matchup featured Jon Scheyer, who is in his fourth season as the Blue Devils head coach, against Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, who has coached for over 30 seasons.

Duke advances to the Elite 8 and will face the winner of the Michigan State/Connecticut game Sunday.

Keep checking back for more images from the game.

Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) reaches for the hand of teammate Isaiah Evans (3) in the final seconds of play against St. John’s on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) reaches for the hand of teammate Isaiah Evans (3) in the final seconds of play against St. John’s on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) breaks to the basket for a dunk in the first half against St. John’s during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Evans lead all scores with 25 points in the Blue Devils’ 80-75 victory.
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) breaks to the basket for a dunk in the first half against St. John’s during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Evans lead all scores with 25 points in the Blue Devils’ 80-75 victory. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) shows off his torn jersey to official Pat Driscoll during the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) shows off his torn jersey to official Pat Driscoll during the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) breaks to the basket for a dunk in the first half against St. John’s during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Evans lead all scores with 25 points in the Blue Devils’ 80-75 victory.
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) breaks to the basket for a dunk in the first half against St. John’s during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Evans lead all scores with 25 points in the Blue Devils’ 80-75 victory. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) celebrates slamming in two in the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) celebrates slamming in two in the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke coach Jon Scheyer, and assistant coach Chris Carrawell direct their team on offense in the first half against St. John’s during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer, and assistant coach Chris Carrawell direct their team on offense in the first half against St. John’s during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Isaiah Evans (3) celebrates making a three-pointer during the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Isaiah Evans (3) celebrates making a three-pointer during the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) shoots over St. John's Dylan Darling (0) during Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) shoots over St. John's Dylan Darling (0) during Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) and guard Dame Sarr (7) organize their teammates for the final seconds of play against St. John’s on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) and guard Dame Sarr (7) organize their teammates for the final seconds of play against St. John’s on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) drives past St. John's Bryce Hopkins (23) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) drives past St. John's Bryce Hopkins (23) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke guard Caleb Foster (1) defends St. John’s Bryce Hopkins (23) in the first half on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke guard Caleb Foster (1) defends St. John’s Bryce Hopkins (23) in the first half on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
From left, Duke’s Isaiah Evans, Maliq Brown, Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr and Cameron Boozer watch the intro video before Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
From left, Duke’s Isaiah Evans, Maliq Brown, Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr and Cameron Boozer watch the intro video before Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke guard Caleb Foster (1) reacts after scoring in the second half against St. John’s on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke guard Caleb Foster (1) reacts after scoring in the second half against St. John’s on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) drives past St. John's Joson Sanon (3) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) drives past St. John's Joson Sanon (3) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) drives to the basket as St. John's Ian Jackson (11) defends during the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) drives to the basket as St. John's Ian Jackson (11) defends during the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) celebrates as time runs out in the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) celebrates as time runs out in the second half of Duke’s 80-75 victory over St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
St. John’s coach Rick Pitino reacts after a turnover by his team in the second half against Duke, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
St. John’s coach Rick Pitino reacts after a turnover by his team in the second half against Duke, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) hits the court after turning the ball over under defensive pressure from St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell (1) in the second half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) hits the court after turning the ball over under defensive pressure from St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell (1) in the second half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) hits the court after drawing a foul from St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) hits the court after drawing a foul from St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) reacts after a dunk in the first half against Duke during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Ejiofor lead St. John’s with 17 points.
St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) reacts after a dunk in the first half against Duke during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Ejiofor lead St. John’s with 17 points. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) takes an elbow from St. John’s guard Oziyah Sellers (4) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) takes an elbow from St. John’s guard Oziyah Sellers (4) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) drives to the basket against St. John’s forward Ruben Prey (17) during the first half on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) drives to the basket against St. John’s forward Ruben Prey (17) during the first half on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) puts up a shot against St. John’s forwards Zuby Ejiofor (24) and Dillon Mitchell (1) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) puts up a shot against St. John’s forwards Zuby Ejiofor (24) and Dillon Mitchell (1) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) can’t control the rebound against St. John’s guard Dylan Darling (0) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) can’t control the rebound against St. John’s guard Dylan Darling (0) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cayden Boozer (2) fouls St. John's Zuby Ejiofor (24) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Cayden Boozer (2) fouls St. John's Zuby Ejiofor (24) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) is pressured by St. John's Bryce Hopkins (23) and Dylan Darling (0) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) is pressured by St. John's Bryce Hopkins (23) and Dylan Darling (0) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cayden Boozer (2) fouls St. John's Dylan Darling (0) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Cayden Boozer (2) fouls St. John's Dylan Darling (0) during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia (14) and St. John's Rubén Prey (17) go for the ball during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia (14) and St. John's Rubén Prey (17) go for the ball during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Isaiah Evans (3) drives to the basket as St. John's Zuby Ejiofor (24) defends during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026.
Duke’s Isaiah Evans (3) drives to the basket as St. John's Zuby Ejiofor (24) defends during the first half of Duke’s game against St. John’s in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Friday, March 27, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) puts up a shot against St. John’s forwards Zuby Ejiofor (24) and Dillon Mitchell (1) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) puts up a shot against St. John’s forwards Zuby Ejiofor (24) and Dillon Mitchell (1) in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke coach Jon Scheyer, eyes the scoreboard as the Blue Devils pull within two point of St. John’s in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer, eyes the scoreboard as the Blue Devils pull within two point of St. John’s in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
St. John’s coach Rick Pitino stands for the National Anthem prior to the game against Duke on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
St. John’s coach Rick Pitino stands for the National Anthem prior to the game against Duke on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published March 27, 2026 at 8:19 PM.

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