Derrick Williams scored 32 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, leading the No. 5 seed Arizona Wildcats to a 93-77 upset win over the top seed and defending champion Duke Blue Devils on Thursday night at Honda Center in Anaheim. Arizona used a devastating 55-33 run in the second half to stun Duke. The Wildcats will battle the UConn Huskies on Saturday in the NCAA Tournament West Regional Final on CBS.
Duke looked in control in the first half, building a lead as big as 11 points in the opening 20 minutes. However, they headed into the break with just a six-point lead, thanks in part to 25 first-half points from Williams, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer. Thursday night was a night of superstars, as in addition to Williams, Kemba Walker poured in 36 points in UConn's win over San Diego St. earlier in the night.
Arizona is 4-4 all-time against Duke, but their last meeting was the 2001 NCAA title game, won by Duke, 82-72. "The tournament is cruel," Krzyzewski said after the game. "It’s an abrupt end for everybody when you don’t win." Kyrie Irving scored 28 points to lead Duke.
More March Madness resources: updated printable 2011 NCAA Tournament bracket ... Sweet 16 bracket and game times ... complete NCAA Tournament coverage...for more Arizona news and information, be sure to read Arizona Desert Swarm.