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Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14

Back door: Duke bettors win on last free throw after review

Duke's Justise Winslow (12) and Tyus Jones (5) react after a college basketball regional semifinal game against Utah in the NCAA Tournament Friday, March 27, 2015, in Houston. Duke won 63-57. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Duke's Justise Winslow (12) and Tyus Jones (5) react after a college basketball regional semifinal game against Utah in the NCAA Tournament Friday, March 27, 2015, in Houston. Duke won 63-57. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Think that last free throw was meaningless for Duke as it beat Utah in the Sweet 16? Thousands of gamblers in Las Vegas disagree.

The free throw allowed the Blue Devils to cover a 5-point spread on Friday night, topping the Utes by 6 at 63-57 and flipping wagers on a game many thought was already over.

Luckily for gamblers, it appears most were backing Duke, laying 5 points at Las Vegas sports books operated by Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International and the Wynn Las Vegas.

That bet was looking OK for Utah wagers as the game was wrapping up. Then, the whistle. The officials had reviewed a call and determined that Utah, which was trying to foul, had successfully done so with 0.6 seconds left on the clock.

The score at that moment was 62-57, a would-be push on a 5-point spread.