Duke's standouts include Kyle Singler (left) and Miles Plumlee. Photo by Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE
Arizona sophomore Derrick Williams was 9 years old when the Wildcats last played Duke — in the 2001 national championship.
Duke won.
Not sure how much he remembers about that, if anything, but he is not alone in this sentiment:
“Everybody wants to beat Duke when they’re younger,” Williams said after Sunday’s 70-69 victory over Texas, “and hopefully we can do that.”
The old rivals will meet in the Sweet 16 in Anaheim, Calif., on Thursday.
The Blue Devils, seeded first in the West Region, are big favorites against No. 5 Arizona. Duke opened as a 10-point favorite.
Related: Lute Olson on Arizona-Duke: ‘It should be another classic’