Duke is gone

LSU upset Duke 62-54 in the South Regional semifinals tonight. The main culprit: J.J. Redick, who shot just 3-18 from the field. Sheldon Williams had a good night with 23 points and 12 boards, but he and Josh McRoberts (9 points/8 boards) were the few bright spots for a team expected to get to the Final Four.

The numbers pretty much tell the story:

28% FG overall
5-24 from three-land

In the last 8 minutes:
1 FG made (a three)
+
13 FG missed
+
4 FT made
+
4 turnovers
=
7 points scored

The difference between Duke and Carolina?

Duke scored 7 points in the last 8 minutes tonight.
Carolina once scored 8 points in the last 17 seconds to force OT (see Davis, Walter, 1974).

Another disappointment. Sigh.