Duke’s Maliq Brown Returns from Injury for Sweet Sixteen Matchup Against Arizona
Duke basketball received a significant boost ahead of their Sweet Sixteen showdown against Arizona, as defensive standout Maliq Brown is set to return to action. The 1-seed Blue Devils will take on the 4-seed Wildcats, with tipoff scheduled for 9:39 p.m. ET, following the conclusion of the Alabama vs. BYU matchup.
Brown Cleared to Play After Shoulder Injury
Brown had been sidelined since suffering a dislocated shoulder during Duke’s 78-70 victory over Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals. This was his second shoulder injury of the season, raising concerns that he might be unavailable for the remainder of Duke’s postseason run. However, after being listed as day-to-day, head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed that Brown would be available for the Sweet Sixteen clash.
“It’s day-to-day with Maliq, and there’s a chance he could be available tomorrow night,” Scheyer mentioned in a press conference earlier this week. Now, it’s official—Brown will be active and ready to contribute against Arizona.
Impact on Duke’s Defense
Brown’s return comes at a critical time for Duke, as they face an Arizona squad known for its potent offensive attack. The 6’9″, 220-pound forward is one of the Blue Devils’ most versatile defenders, capable of guarding multiple positions. Even if he plays limited minutes, his presence on the court will be a crucial asset in slowing down the Wildcats.
Duke is aiming to secure back-to-back trips to the Elite Eight, and having Brown available significantly strengthens their defensive efforts. His ability to switch across different matchups and provide rim protection could be a game-changer in a tightly contested battle.
Brown’s Role and Freshman Contributions
While Brown’s return is a major boost, he hasn’t played since March 14, meaning he may not immediately return to his full workload. In his absence, freshman big man Patrick Ngongba II stepped up and provided valuable minutes for the Blue Devils. Ngongba is expected to continue playing a significant role, even with Brown back in the rotation.
Before his injury, Brown’s last full game came in Duke’s regular-season finale against North Carolina on March 8, where he contributed eight points, three rebounds, and three assists in an 82-69 victory over the Tar Heels. Although his season averages of 2.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists don’t stand out offensively, his defensive versatility makes him one of the most important players on the roster.
Duke’s Path Forward
With Brown available, Duke is in a stronger position to contain Arizona’s offense and advance to the Elite Eight. His return couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Blue Devils look to build on their tournament success and continue their pursuit of a national championship.
Leave a Reply