DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Freshman Cameron Boozer had 26 factors and 12 rebounds to assist No. 6 Duke hold off Georgia Tech 85-79 on Wednesday to open Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Isaiah Evans added 17 factors for the Blue Devils (12-1), who had suits all through the sport with the Yellow Jackets (9-5). Georgia Tech led 43-39 on the break and by seven early within the second half, then hung shut as Duke pushed forward and got here by in a number of late-game possessions to remain in management.
That included Kowacie Reeves Jr. pulling down a 3-pointer that introduced the Jackets inside 81-78 with 39.1 seconds left. But Boozer responded by calmly pulling down two free throws moments later to once more make it a two-possession recreation, whereas Evans hit two extra with 7.9 seconds left as Duke made its final 5 free throws to shut it out.
This was the Blue Devils’ first motion after an 82-81 loss to now-No. 16 Texas Tech in New York’s Madison Square Garden on Dec. 20. In that recreation, Duke blew a 17-point, second-half lead and a double-digit margin within the final 6 1/2 minutes. And this wasn’t any simpler, with the Blue Devils capturing 40.6% general, however simply 9 of 32 (28.1%) from distance whereas lacking 11 free throws.
Reeves scored 23 factors and hit 5 3s to guide Georgia Tech, which shot 67.9% within the first half and completed the sport at 53.7% — together with 10 of 18 from 3-point vary.
Georgia Tech has misplaced 20 of twenty-two within the collection and hasn’t gained in Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium since March 2004.
Up subsequent
Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets host Boston College on Saturday.
Duke: The Blue Devils go to Florida State on Saturday.
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