[ad_1]
SAN FRANCISCO — There was a hushed moment amongst the 17,739 inside the sold-out Chase Center moments before the nation anthem was to be played in advance of Saturday night’s West Region final between Duke and Arkansas when an Arkansas fan yelled: “This is a retirement party!’’
The fan, of course, was referring to legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who’s been on his farewell tour this season after 42 brilliant years.
By night’s end, though, the retirement party would have to wait until at least next Saturday night in New Orleans, where Duke will play the winner of Sunday’s East Region final between Saint Peter’s and North Carolina in Philadelphia at the Final Four.
The No. 2 seeded Blue Devils overwhelmed No. 4 seed Arkansas, 78-69, to reach Coach K’s record-setting 13th Final Four.
Whatever happens in that national semifinal game will set up a fascinating matchup, because it’ll either be Duke and Coach K trying to survive the irrepressible and historic magical run of No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s to get to the national championship game …
… or Duke having ACC rival North Carolina standing in its way.
North Carolina, of course, ruined Coach K’s final home game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, an awkward 94-81 loss on March 5 after which Krzyzewski apologized to the crowd, calling his team’s performance “unacceptable.’’
If Krzyzewski has to lose in the Final Four to end his career, who do you think he’d rather lose to?
Bet the ranch on Saint Peter’s and Shaheen Holloway over North Carolina and Hubert Davis.
That conversation, however, will have to wait a few days.
[ad_2]