WATCH: Johnny Dawkins gives emotional locker room speech to his UCF team following near-upset of Duke

Arguably the best moment of the 2019 NCAA Tournament to date occurred on Sunday when underdog UCF pushed Duke to the limit in the Round of 32. The only difference in the game was that the Blue Devils caught a few breaks in the game’s closing moments and the Knights did not, resulting in a 77-76 win for No. 1 seed Duke.

Following the best ending in the four days of tournament action, UCF coach Johnny Dawkins did his best to console his heartbroken team.

UCF ended the season with a 24-9 record and beating VCU in Round 1 of the tournament and losing to Duke in Round 2. After surviving, the Blue Devils advance to the Sweet 16 and will face No. 4 seed Virginia Tech on Friday night.

Here is the video, which was shared online by UCF’s official men’s basketball team account:

“We end in tears…that’s because we’ve invested so much in each other.

I love you guys. It’s been amazing coaching this group.” –@Coach_Dawkins pic.twitter.com/B58DbNZzWO

— UCF Men’s Hoops ? (@UCF_MBB) March 25, 2019

SDS Staff

Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.