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Duke Survives Scare from Siena in Tournament Opener

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, March 19th 2026 at 16:35 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

ATLANTA - The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is notorious for its unpredictability, and Duke University's opening round game against Siena College on Thursday served as a stark reminder of that truth. While the Blue Devils ultimately prevailed, 78-65, the game was far from the dominant performance many expected from the higher-seeded Duke squad. A sluggish first half saw Siena take a surprising lead, forcing Duke to rally in the second half and avoid becoming an early tournament upset.

The final score doesn't fully capture the narrative of the game. Siena, arriving as a double-digit seed, played with a level of composure and tenacity that clearly rattled Duke. Early in the first half, the Saints built as much as an 11-point lead, exploiting defensive vulnerabilities and capitalizing on Duke's uncharacteristically poor shooting. Duke managed a 32-21 halftime lead, but that came after facing a significant deficit, not dictating the terms of play.

The statistical disparity in the first half highlighted the problems. Duke connected on just 11 of 33 field goal attempts (33.3%), a shockingly low percentage for a team boasting the offensive firepower Duke typically possesses. Siena, in contrast, shot a respectable 12 of 28 (42.9%), demonstrating a more efficient and confident offensive approach. More than just the shooting percentages, Siena's ability to disrupt Duke's rhythm was key. The Saints' physical play and disciplined defense forced Duke into uncomfortable shots and turnovers.

"They came out ready to play, and we didn't match their intensity," said Duke coach Jon Scheyer in the post-game press conference. "Siena is a well-coached team, and they executed their game plan effectively. We needed to make adjustments, and I'm proud of our guys for responding in the second half."

Scheyer's halftime adjustments proved critical. The Blue Devils emerged from the break with renewed energy on both ends of the court. They focused on moving the ball with greater purpose, finding better looks, and tightening up their defensive rotations. While Siena continued to fight valiantly, Duke's superior talent and experience gradually began to assert itself. Key players like Kyle Filipowski and Jeremy Roach, who struggled in the first half, found their rhythm, leading the offensive charge and providing much-needed scoring.

This game serves as a valuable lesson for Duke as they progress through the tournament. It's a clear warning that seeding and regular season success mean little once the tournament bracket begins. Every opponent will be motivated, prepared, and willing to give everything they have. Duke cannot afford to come out flat or underestimate any future opponent. The win was a struggle, a wake-up call.

Looking ahead, Duke will face the winner of the TCU-Arizona State matchup in the Round of 32. That game promises to be another tough test. TCU, known for its aggressive defense and balanced scoring, presents a different challenge than Siena's methodical approach. Arizona State, if they advance, brings a high-octane offense capable of putting up quick points. Duke will need to maintain the intensity they displayed in the second half against Siena - and improve upon it - to have a chance at reaching the Sweet Sixteen.

Beyond the immediate implications for Duke, Siena's performance deserves recognition. The Saints demonstrated the potential for lower-seeded teams to make a deep tournament run when they play with heart, discipline, and a clear game plan. Their showing is a testament to the parity in college basketball and the excitement the tournament consistently provides. While their tournament journey has ended, Siena proved they could compete with one of the nation's elite programs. For Duke, however, the message is clear: the road to the championship will be paved with challenges, and complacency is not an option.