Duke Basketball: Top 10 game-winning shots of the Coach K era
By Matt Giles
3. Christian Laettner vs. UNLV
Date: March 30, 1991
Place: RCA Dome
Final Score: Duke 79, UNLV 77
Normally, a top game-winner wouldn’t be a pair of free throws.
But when those free throws come with 12.7 seconds to play in what became the greatest win in the Duke basketball program’s history, they’re more than worthy.
Calm. Cool. Collected.
That was Laettner’s demeanor at the foul line with the score tied and following a foul by UNLV — who was riding a 45-game win streak that dated back to the previous season, which ended with the Runnin’ Rebels thumping the Blue Devils by 30 in the title game.
Yes, Duke ended that streak as a result of a team effort that included a clutch 3-pointer by Bobby Hurley and an equally clutch 3-point play by Davis (see final two minutes above). But it was Laettner who gave the Blue Devils the game-winner by knocking down the freebies.
Had he missed both, UNLV — with no pressure — probably would have scored on the ensuing possession; if not, overtime likely would have favored the defending champs. Had he missed one, UNLV could have won with a drive to the basket.
But Laettner did what Duke basketball fans had become accustomed to seeing him do: Exactly what was needed to win.
What. A. Win.
What. A. Moment.