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Paolo Banchero talks clutch genes, stepping up in big moments

On3 imageby:Tyler Mansfield03/25/22

TMansfieldMedia

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Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Paolo Banchero has put together a standout freshman season for Duke – and he’s a big reason why the No. 2 seeded Blue Devils are still alive in the NCAA Tournament. After scoring 19 points in the team’s second-round win over Michigan State on Sunday, the standout forward tallied 22 points on Thursday night in their Sweet 16 victory against No. 3 seed Texas Tech – which sent Duke into the Elite Eight.

While Banchero is a consistent scorer for the Blue Devils, he’s been clutch in late-game moments throughout the NCAA Tournament – and that was certainly the case against Texas Tech.

Following Duke’s win on Thursday, Banchero joined the Blue Devils’ postgame press conference and was asked about his strong finishes to the team’s last two games – which were highlighted by his big shots down the stretch.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a new clutch gene at all,” Banchero said. “I would say all year in the biggest moments we’ve always stepped up, and there’s no bigger moment than this. I don’t know about these guys, but I’ve never played in a basketball game like that.

“When you are out there, you don’t even – it’s not like you’re even thinking. You’re just playing to win, and you’re playing extremely hard. So, when you are doing that and you are not afraid of the moment as a team, you’re going to do stuff like that.”

Fresh off another March Madness win, Banchero and Duke are back in action Saturday against No. 4 seed Arkansas in the Elite Eight. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:49 p.m. ET from the Chase Center in San Francisco, with TBS carrying the national broadcast.

Mike Krzyzewski makes college basketball history with Sweet 16 win

Mike Krzyzewski’s farewell season has been extended, as No. 2 seeded Duke recorded a 78-73 win over No. 3 seed Texas Tech on Thursday in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament to punch a ticket to the Elite Eight and keep Coach K on the sidelines longer.

As Krzyzewski will retire at the end of the season and be replaced by Blue Devils’ associate head coach Jon Scheyer, a loss for Duke in the NCAA Tournament would be Coach K’s final game, so the team is hoping they can continue to win throughout March Madness.

While Duke continues to win and advance, Krzyzewski is also setting more records in the process. As Sunday’s victory over Michigan State marked career win No. 1,200 for Coach K, Thursday’s win against Texas Tech set another milestone for the legendary coach – making him the first to win 100 NCAA Tournament games.