Sean Rayford/Associated Press
Duke, the top overall seed in the N.C.A.A. tournament, survived what would have been a seismic upset Sunday when two Central Florida shots rimmed out in the final seconds. Escaping with a 77-76 victory, the Blue Devils advance to face No. 4 Virginia Tech or No. 12 Liberty in the East Region semifinals on Friday night in Washington.
In a tournament devoid of drama, Duke and Central Florida delivered the most compelling game so far, with each team’s best players — Tacko Fall and Aubrey Dawkins for the Knights, R. J. Barrett and Zion Williamson for Duke — assuming starring roles.