Duke made 55.7% of its shots from the field and recorded 24 assists, which were season highs both allowed by the Jackets and also attained by Duke. The Jackets, who have prided themselves on their defense in Pastner’s tenure, have allowed opponents to shoot 50% from the field in their past four games.
Taking control from the start, Duke led by 10 less than eight minutes into the game and claimed a 43-25 lead at halftime. The Blue Devils’ lead snowballed after halftime, as they opened the second half with a 19-3 run to take a 62-28 lead with 13:45 to play. They shot 63.3% after halftime (19-for-30), their offense flowing around the Jackets like water down a stream.