The legend of Nakeie Montgomery in the NCAA tournament continues. Remember the freshman that ignited a Duke rally in the 2018 NCAA tournament?

Now he’s a sophomore sensation, and he brought his best in the Blue Devils’ tournament opener. Montgomery finished with three goals and two assists to fuel Duke’s 12-11 win over Richmond in Sunday’s NCAA tournament first round — a rematch of a matchup on March 1.

Montgomery’s production came when the Blue Devils needed it the most. Just like it did in the previous matchup, Richmond tested Duke throughout.

Down a goal entering the second quarter, Montgomery tallied a goal and an assist to pull Duke ahead at halftime. When Richmond tied the game at 7-7 in the third quarter, Montgomery scored twice and had an assist to fuel a five-goal run that eventually sealed the game. He’s back in the postseason and producing again.

DUKE SURVIVES.

Something happens when Nakeie Montgomery plays in the @NCAALAX tournament. He had 3G, 2A to lead the Blue Devils to the 12-11 win over @SpiderMLAX pic.twitter.com/b8rHRNO3pB

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) May 12, 2019

He told the ESPNU crew after the game that Duke’s senior class was the motivating factor in his performance.

“We were 11-4 and played 15 games coming into this,” he told ESPNU. “We’ve kind of seen it all and weren’t afraid. I didn't play my best. I had some shots saved. But it’s like you’re all in or you’re all out. You have to have the confidence, right hand, left hand, and I’ve played against everything — zone or man, pole or shorty. You just have to bring your A game and leave it all on the field.”

Richmond got out to an important early start, scoring two goals in the game’s first 12 minutes. Ryan Lanchbury had both goals to help the Spiders lead 2-1 after one period.

Down 4-3 in the second quarter, Duke scored four straight goals to take a commanding lead just before halftime. CJ Carpenter and Joey Manown went back-and-forth to help the Blue Devils to a 7-5 halftime lead.

Richmond grabbed the early momentum in the second half, with Tate Gallagher and Ryan Lee scoring in just over three minutes to tie the game at 7-7 midway through the third quarter.

But Duke found its rhythm toward the end of the third quarter thanks to Montgomery. He had two goals and an assist in the quarter to fuel a five-goal that gave the Blue Devils a 12-7 lead entering the final period.

Richmond scored the first two goals in the fourth quarter to make the game interesting. Mitch Savoca and Tyler Shoults contributed the goals that gave the Spiders new life. Shoults led the Spiders with a goal and five assists, while Gallagher had four goals.

But, despite multiple opportunities stemming from Duke turnovers, Richmond could not carry the momentum. The Spiders made it interesting once again by scoring two goals in the final minute, but Joe Stein won a faceoff with less than 30 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

Montgomery capped the day with a great interview. Happy Mother's Day to the moms.

Couldn't of said it any better. #NCAALAX pic.twitter.com/48TP0noazb

— NCAA Lacrosse (@NCAALAX) May 12, 2019