The No. 1-seeded Duke Blue Devils have high expectations this March Madness, and their freshman phenoms in Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett made a statement in their 85-62 first round win over North Dakota State on Friday night.
Duke got off to a slow start, but the finish was fast and furious as these two future NBA lottery picks led the way. Barrett was the points leader at the end of the night with 26 points to go along with his 14 rebounds for his first double-double of the tournament. If the Knicks don't land the No. 1 overall pick, Barrett could be their next-best option as he continues to showcase his natural ability to score.
Williamson ended the night with 25 points, three rebounds, and of course, some highlight-reel plays. Whether it was getting his own rebound off a missed free throw and slamming it home, or beating a guard to a loose ball and finishing a nifty layup in transition, he was all over the place in his tournament debut.
Welcome to the Big Dance, Zion!#MarchMadness | @DukeMBB pic.twitter.com/cmPggGGQ6n
- NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 23, 2019
Williamson, Barrett, and the rest of the Blue Devils are on to the second round where they will face Liberty University, who upset Mississippi State tonight. Look for these two stars in the making to, once again, put on a show on Monday.