GREENVILLE, S.C.– The Duke Blue Devils prevailed over the Sienna Saints, 71-65, in Thursday’s first round matchup of the men’s NCAA tournament. The Sienna Saints shot 45.5% from 3PT range in the first half and led by as many as 13 points early in the second half.
It wasn’t enough to stop Cayden Boozer and the Blue Devils. Cayden scored 19 points and logged 5 assists without committing a turnover. Cameron Boozer had 22 points and 13 rebounds. Isaiah Evans added 16 points. The turning point for Duke came after employing zone defense in the second half and Dame Sarr locking down Sienna’s Gavin Doty.
Check out photos from the game.
March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke and Sienna tip off. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Maliq Brown catches an alley-oop and dunks it on the opening possession. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Isaiah Evans makes a three-pointer. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Maliq Brown confers with team after picking up his first foul. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke head coach yells to ref. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Nik Khamenia defends Sienna player. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke players huddle together. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Nik Khamenia passes ball while being defended by Sienna player Doty. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Dame Sarr attempts three-pointer. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devil mascot dances at center court. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Cayden Boozer lays the ball in. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Dame Sarr attempts a three-pointer. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke head coach Jon Scheyer claps hands, kneeling on the sideline. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Cayden Boozer puts up a shot, defended by Sienna player Folefac. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke head coach Jon Scheyer kneels on the sideline. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke head coach Jon Scheyer calls out direction to players on court. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke head coach Jon Scheyer reacts to ref’s call. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Cameron Boozer puts up a shot. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Dame Sarr and Isaiah Evans defends Sienna player. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Cameron Boozer puts up shot. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Cayden Boozer lays the ball in, in traffic. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Isaiah Evans is interviewed on radio. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and guard Cayden Boozer do TV interview. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke players Cayden Boozer, Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans during post game press conference. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Isaiah Evans gazes downward during post game press conference. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz) March 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke head coach Jon Scheyer speaks with media in post game press conference. (Photo By Jasmyn Fritz/Carolina Blitz)
