WASHINGTON — The Post breaks down Friday night’s Sweet 16 showdown between top-seeded Duke and No. 5 seed St. John’s at Capital One Arena.
Backcourt
Duke has a considerable edge in athleticism and size, even without starting point guard Caleb Foster, who will be a game-time decision after undergoing foot surgery March 8. Freshman Cayden Boozer has performed well in Foster’s place, averaging 13.8 points and committing only nine turnovers in five games. The 6-foot-9 Dame Sarr is a strong defender and inconsistent shooter. Then there is Isaiah Evans, Duke’s second-leading scorer and best volume 3-point shooter (35.8 percent on seven attempts). The 6-6 guard was a major factor in the Blue Devils avoiding a first-round upset to Siena, tallying 13 points and seven rebounds in the second half.
St. John’s unsung hero, Dylan Darling’s layup at the buzzer sent the Red Storm to the Sweet 16, an incredible moment for the Idaho State transfer who is really struggling with his 3-point shot. A dogged defender and stabilizing presence, the 6-foot Darling has missed his last 16 attempts from distance. His backcourtmate, Stanford transfer Oziyah Sellers, is a strong spot-up shooter, although he is sometimes hesitant to let it fly. Sellers has scored in double figures in four of the last six games.
Edge: Duke
