Duke makes it to the Sweet 16 for the 12th time in 14 years

Duke makes it to the Sweet 16 for the 12th time in 14 years

The 73-71 victory against Michigan also represents coach Mike Krzyzewski's win No. 900.

Losing is always painful and frustrating, and one is subject to how the defeat takes place to determine the magnitude of the impact in the losing side. If we take a look at how the No. 8 seeded Michigan Wolverines' 73-71 lost to No. 1 Duke Blue Devils in the third round we could tell that it was one of the worst ways of losing, for a crunch time shot could have send all of the sadness and impotence to the defending champions' side, if that last shot -of course- would have gone inside the basket.

With the clock at 8.7 seconds to the end, the score box in 73-71, and Nolan Smith in the free throw line taking his second attempt after scoring the first one, the Wolverines needed him to miss and grab the ball as soon as possible to take a crunch time shot that could either send them to overtime or win the game there instantly.

Michigan saw that the miracle was possible when Smith missed his second shot, and the rebound was caught by Zack Novak, who didn't hesitate to pass the ball to Darius Morris that with 2 seconds left took the decisive shot, and watched how it bounced off the basket for the happiness of the defending champions' fans.

Duke players and fans that were holding their breath were now able to take a mouthful of air, while their eyes filled with joy and a sigh of relief came out from their mouths with the buzzer that confirmed their classification to the Sweet 16.

This victory was coach Mike Krzyzewski's No. 900, which puts him only three games away from establishing a new record for most wins in Division I history, which currently belongs to Bob Knight with 902. Far from focusing in the record coach K referred to the fact that "we're advancing" after a tough game that makes him feel "proud of our effort."

Aware that "every game could be my last" as he said, Nolan Smith didn't have plans to see that happening against Michigan, and contributed with 24 points to finish as Duke's top scorer. Smith's feeling for what he has lived with the Blue Devils is such that he doesn't want to "take this Duke jersey off. As simple as that," he added.

The Sweet 16 has the Arizona Wildcats waiting for them, in a game that will be disputed on Friday (9:45 ET) at Anaheim, where the defending champions will give their best to reach the Elite Eight.

The No. 5 seeded Wildcats dismissed No.4 Texas Longhorns in the third round by 70-69, thanks to Derrick Williams, whose late three-pointer with 9.6 seconds left ended up being the winning shot. This was the second game in a row were Williams' role is vital for the team, as a late block from him against No. 12 Memphis Tigers was also worth a next round ticket.

Whoever advances to the Elite Eight will face the winner from No. 3 Connecticut Huskies versus No. 2 San Diego State Aztecs. This game will also be disputed on Thursday (7:15), but prior to Kansas against Arizona.

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