
The biggest question facing every WNBA team in training camp
WNBA training camps open with key questions for each team.
In the 1988 NCAA Tournament, Duke faced Rhode Island, marking their first matchup since 1978. Duke, seeded #2 in the East, was on the rise but not yet the dominant force in college basketball.
UNDATED: Duke Blue Devils' Danny Ferry #35 goes to the basket for a layup ball during a NCAA game circa 1986-1989. (Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images) | Focus on Sport via Getty Images
In 1988, Duke was ascending but not yet a dominant power. The Blue Devils had gone to the Final Four in 1986 and the Sweet 16 in 1987, but the idea that Duke was about to become the premier brand in college basketball was ridiculous. The best coach in the country?
Everyone knew that was Dean Smith.
In the 1988 tournament, Duke was seeded #2 in the East, behind only Temple. They would face Rhode Island, a team Duke had last seen a decade earlier, in the 1978 tournament, where the Blue Devils won, 63-62.
The second game’s outcome wouldn’t be much different.
Duke was generally a little better than Rhode Island in this one, but Rhody was never far behind.
And in the final minutes, this was a taut, exciting tournament game.
Down the stretch, Kevin Strickland was fouled twice, and early in his Duke career, Strickland was not a confident player. He whiffed both times, but ultimately, it didn’t matter.
The Blue Devils would go on to win 73-72, closely mirroring the 1978 outcome.
The teams would meet again 20 years after the 1988 game. Rhode Island was coached by rising star Dan Hurley, but the Blue Devils won again, this time more comfortably, 87-62.
By the way, one of the announcers is Bill Raftery, and even 38 years ago, he had white hair and looked much as he looks today.
Go to the DBR Boards to find Blue Healer Auctions || Drop us a line
Duke was seeded #2 in the East region of the 1988 NCAA Tournament.
Duke last played Rhode Island in the 1978 NCAA Tournament, where they won 63-62.
In 1988, Dean Smith was widely regarded as the best coach in college basketball.

WNBA training camps open with key questions for each team.

Check out the top 10 plays from Victor Wembanyama's record-setting season!

NBA 2026 Awards: Key Ballot Insights from Bontemps

10 NFL draft prospects to watch for fantasy football this year!

Get ready for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs with our mega-preview of all 16 teams!

Spring football games feature 23 Power 4 matchups this weekend, with the ACC hosting eight and the SEC seven. Notable teams include Virginia Tech under new coach James Franklin and Michigan led by Kyle Whittingham.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.