Foster's Return Boosts Duke's Title Hopes

0:00On March 27, Duke Jr. guard Kayla Foster looks set to return for Friday night's Sweet 16 match-up against 5th-seeded St. John's. He's been sideline since fracturing his foot and a win over North Carolina on March 7, and it's been less than three weeks since his surgery. Reports say he'll suit up but play limited minutes unless something changes in afternoon shoot-around. Foster joins Big Man Patrick Nongbaugh, the second and coming back from foot injuries. Nongbaugh sat out Duke's first round win over Siena, but played 13 minutes and scored four points against 9th-seeded TCU in the second round. Neither is that full strength yet, but this marks the Blue Devils' healthiest line-up since early March. Duke grabbed the top overall seed in the tournament despite the bumps, showing their potential when whole undercoach John Shire. Fans and analysts see them as national title contenders if key players round into form. The challenger head is a tough St. John's team, coached by Rick Patino, known for strong defense and recent hot streak.

1:01A win there could pit Duke against Michigan State or Yukon next. Advancing keeps giving Foster and Nongbaugh recovery time, boosting Duke's shot at another final for run, and maybe even a championship push.