WATCH: Coach K loses his mind after Trevor Keels buzzer beater
Duke guard Trevor Keels sent his team into the locker room with plenty of momentum, hitting a buzzer beater in the final seconds of the first half of an Elite Eight game against Arkansas on Friday. Almost as exciting as Keels’ shot was the reaction of Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski, who showed plenty of emotion after the big play.
The shot gave Duke a double-digit advantage, as they entered halftime leading the Razorbacks 45-33. Speaking with CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson at the end of the half, Krzyzewski was hyped up about the way his team ended the half.
“We stopped fouling and we didn’t turn it over,” the coach said. “We executed the last minute very, very well. A big shot by Trevor.”
After committing five turnovers within the first 10 minutes, Duke settled in. The Blue Devils ended the half on a 10-2 run as six of their players scored at least six points in the early going. Center Mark Williams led the team with 10 points in addition to eight rebounds and two blocks, earning more praise from Krzyzewski in his halftime interview.
“He’s given us an advantage most of the year,” Coach K said. “He’s just been a great player. He’s protecting our basket really well and he made a couple of tremendous offensive rebounds.”
This season has been a farewell tour for Krzyzewski after he announced at the beginning of the year it would be his last as the Duke coach. With this in mind, it makes sense that we are seeing a more emotional side to him this postseason. He has already cemented himself as a college basketball legend with 1,201 career wins, the most in history. If Duke defeats Arkansas, Krzyzewski will surpass UCLA coach John Wooden for the most Final Four appearances with 13.
There is still a whole half left to play, however, and the Hogs surely won’t go down without a fight.