Maine Basketball Stuns Duke Blue Devils in a Thrilling Upset

Black Bears Triumph Over Blue Devils in Historic Victory

Orono, Maine - In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, the University of Maine Black Bears defeated the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils 79-71 in a pulsating contest at the Cross Insurance Center on Tuesday night.

It was a David vs. Goliath matchup on paper, with the Blue Devils, one of the most storied programs in NCAA history, facing a Maine squad that had never reached the NCAA Tournament. But on this night, the Black Bears played with heart and determination, overcoming long odds to pull off the improbable.

Maine's Unlikely Heroes

Maine's victory was spearheaded by a trio of unlikely heroes: guard Stephane Ingo, forward Sergio El Darwich, and center Jaedon LeDee. Ingo, a sophomore from France, led the way with 21 points, including several clutch three-pointers in the second half.

El Darwich, a junior from Egypt, made his presence felt on both ends of the court with 18 points and 10 rebounds. LeDee, a senior from Texas, contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds, providing a consistent inside presence for the Black Bears.

Duke's Struggles

On the other side of the court, Duke struggled to find its usual rhythm. The Blue Devils were held to just 39% shooting from the field and were outrebounded by Maine 42-35. Star freshman Paolo Banchero, who entered the game averaging over 20 points per contest, was limited to just 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

Duke's struggles were compounded by foul trouble. Starting center Mark Williams fouled out with over 10 minutes remaining in the game, and his absence left the Blue Devils vulnerable in the paint.

Maine's Historic Triumph

As the final buzzer sounded, the Cross Insurance Center erupted in celebration as the Maine Black Bears celebrated their historic triumph. It was the first time that Maine had ever defeated a top-ranked team in any sport, and the victory will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

The Black Bears' victory has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world and has proven that anything is possible in sports. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the Maine players and coaching staff.