In 2019, Tacko Fall and UCF came up just short in a thrilling game against Zion Williamson and Duke, as they nearly pulled off an upset in a heart-stopping finish.
The 2019 NCAA Tournament was filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. However, one game stood out as a true David vs. Goliath showdown. It was the Round of 64 match-up between UCF (University of Central Florida) and the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils, led by the phenom Zion Williamson. This game, played on March 22, 2019, was expected to be a one-sided affair, with Duke’s star-studded lineup of Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish facing off against a UCF team featuring the towering presence of Tacko Fall. What ensued, however, was a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat battle that almost ended in an upset, with UCF coming tantalizingly close to toppling Duke in a heart-stopping finish.
This game became an instant classic, full of drama and suspense. UCF, the 9th seed, had no illusions of grandeur, knowing the odds were stacked heavily against them. On the other hand, Duke, the 1st seed, was heavily favored, with a roster packed with future NBA talent. But it was Tacko Fall, the 7-foot-6 center from UCF, who stood at the center of the storm, ready to challenge the mighty Blue Devils.
The Setting: A Star-Studded Duke Team Faces Off Against UCF’s Giant
Duke entered the 2019 NCAA Tournament as one of the most exciting teams in recent history. The combination of Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish had made them the talk of college basketball. Zion Williamson, in particular, was the undisputed face of college hoops that season, with his combination of athleticism, explosiveness, and basketball IQ unlike anything the NCAA had seen in years. His dunking ability alone had earned him a cult following. Alongside him, Barrett and Reddish were also expected to be top NBA prospects.
UCF, on the other hand, was a team that many believed had little chance of pulling off an upset. The Knights were led by Tacko Fall, a unique player who had gained national attention due to his massive stature. Standing at 7-foot-6, Fall had the ability to alter shots, dominate the paint, and make life difficult for opposing teams. However, UCF was not without its flaws. Their offense wasn’t as high-powered as Duke’s, and their overall talent wasn’t on the same level. Still, they had one thing that made them dangerous: Tacko Fall.
Fall had become a fan favorite for his towering frame and ability to protect the rim. As one of the most physically dominant players in college basketball, Fall was a walking mismatch against virtually any opponent. UCF’s strategy in this game was clear: lean on Fall’s size and presence in the paint, limit Duke’s offensive flow, and hope that their defense could stifle the Blue Devils’ high-powered offense.
The Game: A Back-and-Forth Battle
From the opening tip-off, it was clear that UCF was not intimidated by the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament or the reputation of Duke. The Knights came out with intensity, using their defense to slow down Duke’s high-speed attack. While Duke’s offense was built on fast breaks and explosive plays, UCF made sure to slow the pace, forcing Duke to play a more methodical game.
Tacko Fall’s impact was immediate. He blocked shots, grabbed rebounds, and dominated the paint. Every time Duke tried to drive the ball inside, they had to contend with Fall’s presence. He was not only an intimidating shot-blocker, but he also disrupted Duke’s rhythm. The Blue Devils, who had been known for their fast-break offense all season, were forced to adjust their game plan. While Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett were able to get to the basket and make plays, they often had to settle for contested shots because of Fall’s size.
Duke had trouble dealing with Fall’s height advantage on offense. They struggled to finish inside, and their shots were often altered by the imposing center. Zion, who had been able to dominate opponents all season with his explosive leaping ability, found himself hesitant at times, unsure of how to deal with Fall’s presence in the paint.
Despite the challenges they faced, Duke still managed to keep the game close. The first half was a tense, low-scoring affair, with both teams relying on their defense to keep the score manageable. Duke’s stars—Williamson, Barrett, and Reddish—were getting their points, but UCF’s defense kept the Blue Devils from pulling away.
As the second half began, the intensity of the game reached new heights. UCF was determined to prove that they were capable of more than just a respectable performance. They continued to frustrate Duke’s offense, forcing several turnovers and making life difficult for Zion Williamson. But Duke’s talent kept them in the game. Williamson, Barrett, and Reddish all took turns scoring, but the game was far from over.
The Heart-Stopping Finish: UCF’s Near Upset
As the game entered its final minutes, the tension in the arena was palpable. The Blue Devils had a slim lead, but UCF wasn’t backing down. With under a minute left in the game, UCF had an opportunity to pull off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history.
With just seconds remaining, UCF had the ball, trailing by one point. The stage was set for a dramatic finish. UCF’s star, B.J. Taylor, had the ball in his hands, and he was looking to create a play. Taylor, who had been a key contributor throughout the game, drove toward the basket and dished out a pass to A.J. Davis, who was open for a potential game-winning shot. Davis took the shot with a clear look at the basket—an opportunity that could have sent the Knights into the Round of 32 with an unbelievable upset over the mighty Duke Blue Devils.
But, in the final seconds, disaster struck for UCF. The ball rattled out of the rim in a heartbreaking miss. The crowd gasped, and the Blue Devils’ players let out a collective sigh of relief. Duke’s lead remained intact, and the game ended with a 77-76 victory for the Blue Devils. UCF had come so close to toppling the juggernaut that was Duke, but in the end, they just couldn’t finish it off.
What Could Have Been: A Missed Opportunity
For UCF, this game will always be remembered as a near-miss, a “what could have been” moment. The Knights played a near-perfect game, executing their strategy to near perfection. Tacko Fall’s dominance in the paint had been a problem for Duke throughout the game, and UCF’s defense had stifled the Blue Devils’ normally potent offense. UCF had the chance to make history, but the final seconds betrayed them.
The missed shot by A.J. Davis was heartbreaking for the Knights and their fans. Had it gone in, UCF would have pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in recent NCAA Tournament history. Instead, they were left with the bitter taste of what could have been, knowing they had Duke on the ropes but were unable to land the knockout blow.
For Duke, it was a sigh of relief. The Blue Devils knew they had been tested in a way that few expected. Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and the rest of the team could breathe a little easier knowing they had escaped the upset. However, it was clear that UCF had exposed some vulnerabilities for Duke. They had shown that Duke’s high-powered offense could be slowed down with the right defensive game plan, especially when faced with a player like Tacko Fall who could completely disrupt their inside game.
The Aftermath: Zion Williamson’s Tournament and Tacko Fall’s Legacy
Although Duke survived the scare, their tournament journey wasn’t without its own challenges. The Blue Devils would go on to make it to the Elite Eight, but their championship aspirations were dashed when they were defeated by Michigan State. Still, Zion Williamson and his team’s resilience in the face of adversity helped define their season, and the thrilling UCF game remains one of the standout moments of the 2019 Tournament.
For Tacko Fall and UCF, the game became a defining moment in the careers of both the team and their towering center. Fall, who had drawn attention for his immense size and shot-blocking ability, had shown that he could compete with the best. While UCF ultimately fell short, Fall’s performance cemented his place as one of the most memorable figures in NCAA basketball history. His size and presence in the paint had caused problems for Duke all game long, and his effort earned him widespread admiration from fans and analysts alike.
In the end, the 2019 NCAA Tournament match-up between UCF and Duke was a thrilling, heart-stopping affair that nearly saw one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Tacko Fall and UCF came incredibly close to toppling Zion Williamson and the Blue Devils, but ultimately, it was Duke who escaped with the victory. This game will live on as one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament, and it will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of defense, strategy, and heart.
