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2017 March Madness: Top 8 Performers From East Region in Opening Round

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 16, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; The Villanova Wildcats mascot performs in the second half against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Villanova won 76-56. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; The Villanova Wildcats mascot performs in the second half against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Villanova won 76-56. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 March Madness
Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) handles the ball against Troy Trojans forward DeVon Walker (25) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Tatum

Even though some of the higher seeds struggled in the first round, Duke was able to handle their game against Troy rather easily. Unlike some of the other higher seeds, Duke jumped out to a lead early, and they never looked back.

In the win, Duke had four players score in double figures, but it was freshman Jayson Tatum who once again played very well. One of the reasons for Duke’s success recently has been Tatum being healthy and effective.

Over the last month, Tatum has been one of the best players in the country, and he played excellent in his first NCAA Tournament game. In the win for Duke, Tatum totaled a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. In addition to the double-double, Tatum was a beast defensively, as he totaled four blocks and four steals.

Tatum’s ability on the offensive end has been well-documented this season but seeing him take over the game on defense was impressive as well. If Tatum is able to take over a game defensively like he did against Troy, Duke is going to be a difficult team to eliminate in the tournament. With three really good options on offense, Duke might be the team to beat in the East Region.

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