Duke's Ngongba Returns, Foster Nears Comeback

0:00Duke's top-ranked blue devils are rolling in the NCAA tournament after an 81-58 route of TCU on Saturday in Greenville, South Carolina. The big news was the return of 6'11 sophomore center Patton Gongba, who missed five gains with the sore right foot. Fans gave him a standing ovation when he checked in early in the first half, marking his first action since early March. And Gongba played 13 minutes, grabbing four rebounds, dishing four assists, scoring four points, and even blocking a shot, though he had some rest, with four turnovers and fouls. His comeback adds depth, just as the top overall seed heads to the sweet 16. Coach John Shire shared exciting updates on Guard Caleb Foster, who broke a bone in his right foot back on March 7 against North Carolina, and had surgery the next day. The original recovery time I'm pointed to the final four, but Foster's progress has accelerated. He was bearing weight on the foot during the TCU game, and might play as soon as Friday.

1:01Team mates raved about in Gongba's energy boosting the whole squad, while Malik Brown held down the starting center spot with 12 points in nine. Rebounds. Freshman Caden Booser has stepped up in Foster's absence, but getting both injured's daughters closer to full strength raises Duke's ceiling. Duke faces fifth-seated St. John's at 710 PM, Friday in Washington, D.C. with Michigan State and either Connecticut or Yukon on the other side of the bracket. As these key players shake off injuries, the blue devils look primed for a deep tournament run. That wraps Durham News today. Brought to you with AI.