Siena's Heart vs Duke's Power

0:00On March 20th, Ciena College nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA tournament history, taking top seed due to the wire in there. First round match-up, the 16th seeded Saints built a 13-point lead, their biggest of the game, and held a commanding 43-32 advantage at. Half-time before Duke rallied for a 71-65 victory. Despite playing with just five guys due to injuries and eligibility problems, Ciena shot lights out in the first half at over 50% against. Duke's elite defense. They even held their own on the boards, and in the paint, matching the blue devil's inside game and keeping the pressure on from tip-off. Coach Jerry McNamara, a national title winner from his playing days at Syracuse, fired up his team from the sideline, earning praise from rivals like. Duke's John Shire for out-coaching them, fans in the Greenville Arena, including some from Duke's rivals, turned the crowd electric, chanting and believing in the underdogs

1:00all afternoon. In the second half, though, Ciena's legs gave out as Duke dominated the rebounds, 30-13, and clamped down defensively. The Saints went cold, missing eight straight shots during an 11-point Duke run that erased their late 61-56 lead with under 8. Minutes left. What Ciena showed was pure heart against the powerhouse, reminding everyone why March Madness delivers these unforgettable moments that stick with you, long after the final buzzer.