Duke vs. UConn: Boozer vs. Reed battle could decide Elite Eight, Final Four berth

Guards often define March, but last season showed there are multiple paths to a title. Walter Clayton Jr. led Florida to a national championship, but the Gators’ advantage came from a dominant frontcourt that controlled both ends of the court.

That context is important ahead of Sunday’s Elite Eight matchup between No. 1 seed Duke and No. 2 seed UConn. While guard play will be key, this matchup will be dominated by elite players who have carried their teams to this point.

For Duke, presumed national player of the year Cameron Boozer has been the sport’s most consistent force. Even on an off night, Boozer produces stat lines that could be considered career performances for most top players. On the other side, UConn center Tarris Reed Jr. posted dominant numbers during the Huskies’ run to their third Elite Eight in four seasons.

“All season long, there was a lot of hype around Cam Boozer,” Reed said Saturday. “He’s a really good player. Really ready for a freshman. He’s going to (win) player of the year, I think. That shows how good and talented he is. … it’s going to take all five (of us) to stop the Duke team. It’s going to take a lot for them to stop us. It’s going to be a great challenge and a great game.”

According to CBS Sports research, Boozer vs. Reed will be the first Elite Eight (or higher) matchup in the last 40 years between players averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in the NCAA Tournament. Both are also among six players over the last 50 years to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists entering the Elite Eight.

The main difference between the two is the long-term projection. Boozer is ranked No. 3 in CBS Sports’ NBA Draft rankings and remains in contention to be the No. 1 overall pick, while Reed is No. 38 and projects as a likely day two selection.

In the short term, none of this matters. The matchup between Boozer and Reed will likely determine who advances to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Tale of the Gang: Cameron Boozer vs. Tarris Reed Jr.

What makes Boozer such a durable blanket?

Cameron Boozer became the first freshman to record at least 15 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first three NCAA Tournament games. What makes this even more remarkable is that Boozer played up to his level – not above it – in all three of Duke’s games. He’s been college basketball’s most consistent player since a strong second half against Texas in his college debut in November.

At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, Boozer is a tough matchup for any frontcourt player. He uses his strength effectively against smaller defenders in the post and can still hold his own against bigger opponents. He excels at making contact and getting to the free throw line.

“Boozer is a unique challenge, just because he’s a threat from everywhere,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. “He scores from the 3-point line at a pretty efficient clip. Obviously he’s devastating in and around the paint, on the offensive glass. But what makes him unique is the way he plays the ball and the way they guard him. … You can’t take it all away, so we have to choose.”

Perhaps Boozer’s best skill is his passing. During Caleb Foster’s absence due to a foot injury, Boozer operated more frequently as a point forward in the half court. Teams often send double teams when he works the post, but he always makes the right read. Against zone defenses, he operates at the free throw line, where he can either create for his teammates or attack the paint himself.

There are questions about how Boozer’s game will translate to the next level, especially when it comes to athleticism, but against college opponents he is a nightmare. His high basketball IQ allows him to run Duke’s offense seamlessly – a rare trait for a player of his size.

Foster’s return is a boost for the Blue Devils, as is Patrick Ngongba II’s return to the rotation. Boozer is most effective alongside another true big, and he faces a tough test against a UConn defense that’s allowing just 45.7 percent shooting on 2-point attempts, according to KenPom. Still, Duke’s size could be a deciding factor.

Reed has been key to UConn’s success this season

Tarris Reed Jr. played a pivotal role in UConn’s run. In a first-round win over No. 15 seed Furman, he had 31 points, 27 rebounds and three assists – one of the most dominant individual performances in NCAA Tournament history. Reed is one of three players since 1951 with at least 55 points and 45 rebounds to enter the Elite Eight, joining Elvin Hayes and Zach Edey.

The match between Reed and Boozer is reminiscent of the 2024 title battle between Edey and Donovan Clingan. While UConn’s current roster may not match the talent of that championship team — which included top 10 picks Clingan and Stephon Castle — the Huskies remain a threat due to the emergence of Reed.

The former Michigan big man has thrived since transferring before the 2024-25 season. After averaging just under 20 minutes per game last year, he became a full-time starter, setting career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

“He’s a great player,” Boozer said of Reed. “Super physical. You have to keep him off the glass. Limit his touches inside. He’s a big player who can really punish you. It’s about meeting him physical, outplaying him physically and outplaying him all night long.”

A trip to the Final Four could come down to a battle between two of the best big men in the country. It’s a fitting way to decide the East region, widely considered the toughest of the group entering the tournament.

Both players might need an ice bath afterward.