Kyle Filipowski and Duke Prevail against No. 1 Houston, Advance to Elite Eight

Fourth-seeded Duke took down first-seeded Houston on Friday night, advancing to the Elite Eight.

The No. 4-seeded Duke Blue Devils entered Friday night having beaten No. 13 Vermont and No. 12 James Madison, unaware of what was ahead of them versus a Houston team who's been a defensive juggernaut all season long.

With one of the best records in the NCAA at 32-4, the Houston Cougars led by Kelvin Sampson seemed as determined as ever.

But NBA prospect Kyle Filipowski answered the call, making massive plays and helped in keeping Houston just out of striking range down the stretch, showing his professional upside and ability to maintain composure in a game of big implications.

The Blue Devils were able to hang on and prevail over the Cougars on Friday evening, 54-51, as a strong defensive stand propelled them to an Elite Eight bid.

It was Filipowski who led the way for Duke on the night, as the lottery hopeful led all scorers with 16 points on 6-of-14 from the field, sinking three threes while adding nine boards and two assists.

Jeremey Roach was essential in the win as well, putting up 14 with a clutch shot late in the game to separate the Blue Devils by just enough to hang on.

After a second round exit a year ago with then-freshman Filipowski adding 13 points on 6-for-16 from the field with four turnovers, it's easy to see how he's learned to grow and embrace the heightened atmosphere in the next three games he'd play in the NCAA Tournament, especially against the Cougars.

Filiposwki and Duke will next take on a very confident NC State team in the Elite Eight at 4:05 p.m. CT on Sunday.

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