News

NCAA Tournament 2018 Sweet 16, Duke Vs. Syracuse (March 23) Preview: Game Time Start, TV Channel Info

The No. 2-seed Duke Blue Devils will face the No. 11-seed Syracuse Orange in a third-round NCAA Tournament matchup on Friday, and here is everything you need to know.

Duke vs. Syracuse Sweet 16 2018 Preview

Duke (28-7) is making its 26th appearance in the Sweet 16. The Blue Devils are 110-36 (.753) in the NCAA Tournament, which is No. 1 all-time in winning percentage and No. 3 in wins. Their 26 Sweet 16 appearances are second-most.

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski has led Duke to the Sweet 16 for the 24th time, a record number of bids by a coach. Coach K’s 93 tournament victories are also the most.

Unlike Duke, Syracuse’s (23-13) two wins this tournament have been close. The Orange’s offense hasn’t yet scored more than 60 points in a contest.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Here are some key players to watch on each team:

Duke: Marvin Bagley III (21.2 ppg, 11.3 rpg)│Grayson Allen (15.6 ppg, 4.6 apg)│Wendell Carter Jr. (13.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg)

Syracuse:  Tyus Battle (19.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg)│Oshae Brissett (14.9 ppg, 8.9 rpg)│Franklin Howard (14.6 ppg, 4.7 apg)

Friday’s game will be held at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska and begin at 9:30pm EST.  The matchup will air on CBS.

The college basketball website kenpom.com gives Duke an 81% chance of winning.

LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 20: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball during the game against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on February 20, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

Lakers Eye Walker Kessler As Jazz Do Their Best To Keep Big Man Happy

Walker Kessler to the Lakers is gaining steam in the NBA offseason. The Los Angeles…

6 hours ago

Troubled Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. Accused Of Writing Bad $200K Check To Buy Luxury Watch As Legal Troubles Mount

Floyd Mayweather Jr., a boxing legend, is facing serious legal trouble after Nevada prosecutors filed…

6 hours ago

Ecuador Held To Shock Draw By Curacao, Faces Uphill Battle For World Cup Survival

Ecuador suffered a major setback in its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after being held…

6 hours ago

WNBA Suspends Alyssa Thomas For ‘Recklessly’ Punching Caitlin Clark In The Throat

Caitlin Clark was punched in the throat during a heated Indiana Fever–Phoenix Mercury matchup Wednesday…

6 hours ago

Phillies Announce Andrew Painter’s First Start After Demotion To Triple-A Lehigh Valley

The Philadelphia Phillies made a significant roster move last week, optioning Andrew Painter to Triple-A…

1 day ago

Trae Young Scores 4-Year, $212M Extension With  Washington Wizards – Is He Worth It?

Trae Young has signed a four-year, $212 million extension to stick with the Washington Wizards. Last…

1 day ago