The Elite Eight showdown between Duke and UConn had no shortage of drama, but one unexpected moment stole just as much attention as the game itself. A newly surfaced clip from the broadcast shows Duke star Cameron Boozer on the bench receiving an unusual form of treatment and fans cannot stop laughing.
With the tension rising late in the game, cameras caught a Duke medical staffer pressing a cold soda can against Boozer’s bruised eye. The improvised treatment instantly went viral, sparking a wave of memes and playful criticism aimed at the Blue Devils’ training crew.
Social media lit up almost immediately.
“Using a soda can on Cam Boozer is insane,” one fan joked.
Another added, “Duke medical staff should be ashamed… at least get an ice pack!”
The moment overshadowed what was already one of the most emotional nights of Duke’s season.
A Crushing Collapse for Duke
The Blue Devils looked unstoppable early, jumping out to a 19-point first-half lead against UConn. But the game unraveled in the final minutes. With just eight seconds on the clock, Duke held a narrow two-point lead when disaster struck.
Cayden Boozer’s pass was intercepted by UConn’s Braylon Mullins, who sprinted up the court and drilled a deep three-pointer, handing the Huskies a stunning 73–72 win and ending Duke’s tournament run.
After the game, a visibly shaken Cameron Boozer reflected on the heartbreaking finish.
“I’m hurting right now… we all are,” he said. “I wish I could’ve given more for those guys.”
Boozer still delivered an incredible performance 27 points, eight rebounds, and four assists but it wasn’t enough to stop Duke from suffering another painful tournament exit.
Between the viral soda can moment and the crushing loss, it was a night Duke fans will not forget anytime soon.