Despite Georgia Techs Late Push, Duke puts them away for their first ACC win

This was an interesting game for the Duke Blue Devils in the Phillips Arena in Georgia where they took on the Yellow Jackets. This was Duke’s second straight game in a NBA arena, which meant a much larger crowd. Following Duke being upset by the Temple Owls earlier in the week, the Blue Devils showed early in the first half that they were ready to play. Coach K tried a different lineup than usual, as both the Plumlees started for the first time together this season. This change was made as the Plumlees had kept the Blue Devils in the game vs. the Owls with combined effort of 33pts and 17 rebounds. This game vs. Georgia Tech, Ryan Kelly seemed to be the X-Factor for the Blue Devils. He paced Duke with 21 points and 5 rebounds, plus a stunning stat of 14-14 from the free throw line. Though Duke was outrebounded 35-12, they took a whopping 17 more free throws then the Yellow Jackets.

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Georgia Tech was led by the guard Glen Rice Jr. who had 28 points to go along with 8 rebounds. At the end of the game Seth Curry provided some extra points and secured the first ACC win for the Blue Devils this season. It was the first matchup between these two games. This win puts Duke at a record of 13 wins and 2 losses, as Georgia Tech with this loss puts them below five hundred at a record of 7-8. Duke continues their ACC schedule with #23 Virginia coming up next on Thursday January 12th at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Coach K said after the game how he was impressed with the team effort Duke put forth today. Georgia Tech has a tough underrated NC State team next on January 9th. NC State is led by sophomore forward CJ Leslie.

By: Matt Swiman
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer