I think there were a few reasons why Duke pulled it out. #1 Greg Ackles was a very good college player but could not guard Laettner and indeed had no one to match up with. They had to put LJ on Laettner at times but that left Ackles to try to cover G. Hill or Brian Davis and both took advantage. #2 That was arguably the greatest game of Brian Davis's career, 15 points and 4 boards in 21 minutes off the bench and all the time displaying the body language and facial expressions of someone who knew he was going to win. When your 6th man outscores the other team's entire bench 15 - 3 and it's not a blow out, you've got a chance. #3 UNLV's perimeter was outstanding and essentially outplayed Duke's but had no depth and Duke did not back down. The reason UNLV got into foul trouble, say whatever you want, is because Duke played aggressively. Duke's guards didn't get a lot of field goals but Hurley hit that big 3 to keep them in the game and then they drew the 5th foul on Anthony, leaving UNLV in the completely unfamiliar position of playing for a final shot with a lineup that had never been in that situation without their primary ball handler.

Goat college team of all time!!!

Loved watching this Duke team beat both UNLV and Michigan for back-to-back championships... This Duke team one of the greatest ever to do it..

Because we are the best team to do this college basketball thing!

Nobody is fuckin with Duke nation period and that's my good word 💯

Refs didn't give Duke shit we just outplayed them and that's just how it goes if you are unprepared

Nah Duke just outplayed them guys don't try to put that on our win. #DukeNation over everything

Because the game was clearly fixed

Let’s be honest, the only main differences between both teams from 1990 and 1991 was Grant Hill. UNLV dog walked Duke in 90. UNLV wins by 20 in 91 if Grant Hill goes to Georgetown instead of Duke. Heck, I doubt Duke even beats the Fab Five in 92 without him.

Because we have the best coach and team!! That will whip your ass ASAP

Any objective observer will tell you the Refs were looking to call fouls on UNLV. The Refs had too much influence on the final score.

You joke about the difference being Grant Hill but Grant was the best talent on that court ... a court that had 6 lottery pics total and a number #1 overall pick that wasn't even Grant. Let's not overthink it

Nah Duke just outplayed them guys

Duke took the game nothing was ever given to us PERIOD we had to go and take it.turned Duke into a household name across the nation!!!

It's Duke nation on always and that's my good word 💯 Yall other teams need to catch up

I loved that game. Duke was actually the better team. We just didn't know it at the time.

UNLV expected to roll Duke again and got punched back this time.

You were lucky you didn't get beat by 30 again. The end.

Watch the replay. Refs gave Duke the game..