Blue Devils hold off Cavaliers in second half to advance to ACC Semifinals
In Pictures — Photo Gallery
Turning Point
The Blue Devils took control of the game with an 11-0 spurt beginning with about six minutes left. Nolan Smith started the run with an offensive rebound and putback.
Blue Devil Ballers
Kyle Singler scored a game-high 18 points while hauling in 11 boards. Nolan and Jon both contributed 15 points.
Duke Data
85 — The win was Duke’s 85th all-time in the ACC Tourney, making Duke the all-time wins leader in the event
19 — Points by UVA in the second half, marking the fourth time this year Duke has held a team under 20 in a half
30-3 — Duke’s record in the ACC Tournament since 1999
Coach K’s Comments
“Winning the ACC is big, still, you’re looking ahead to next week (and the NCAA tournament). You’re wondering what’s going to happen, but somehow you have to create a sense of urgency for this moment, and I thought our team was able to do that by the second half. I thought it was a very workmanlike performance by our team.”
Locker Room Reaction
The Blue Devils were excited to advance and live another day in the ACC Tourney. Said Lance Thomas, “I want another ACC Championship. I got a taste of what it was like last year, and I am not satisfied by only having one. We have a regular season championship, but why not get both. We have a chance to play tomorrow, many team don’t have a chance to play tomorrow, there are no do-over’s in this tournament.”
Around the Web
Box score — Stat recap
AP recap — Duke holds off UVA
Duke finds its motivation — Devils rally in second half
Notes
*Next up: Duke faces Miami at 1:30 PM tomorrow in the ACC Semifinals (ESPN).
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