Can the Blue Devils' Precision at the Free-Throw Line Clinch Victory Again?
The Duke Blue Devils, ranked 11th, edged out a victory against the unranked Yellow Jackets with a final score of 84-79. The Blue Devils now stand with an improved record while the Yellow Jackets face another addition to their losses. The game saw both teams tied nine times and witnessed eleven lead changes, indicating a closely contested matchup.
The Blue Devils showcased their resilience on their home court at Cameron Indoor Stadium in front of a full-capacity crowd of 9,314 spectators. The team's performance was highlighted by an impressive free throw percentage of 71 percent, making 20 out of 28 attempts. This sharpshooting from the line proved crucial in securing their five-point margin over the Yellow Jackets.
Duke's offense was bolstered by converting ten three-pointers on a solid 48 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Their defensive efforts were equally notable as they tallied six steals and four blocks throughout the game. A significant aspect of Duke's gameplay was their ability to capitalize on turnovers; they scored 15 points off turnovers compared to seven by Georgia Tech.
The Yellow Jackets were not without merit; they put up a strong fight and matched Duke's first-half score before slightly trailing in the second half. Georgia Tech had an efficient night shooting as well, hitting at a rate of 54 percent from both field goal range and two-point attempts while also sinking eleven three-pointers at an impressive rate of 55 percent.
However, it was Duke's strategic play that made all the difference – particularly their ball handling which resulted in only four turnovers against Georgia Tech’s fourteen. Moreover, Duke excelled in second-chance points with fifteen compared to seven by Georgia Tech – showcasing their determination under pressure.
Looking ahead for fans eager to follow more action-packed games featuring the Blue Devils: The next contest is set against Pittsburgh Panthers at Cameron Indoor Stadium located in Durham, NC (ZIP code:27706). This upcoming game is scheduled for January 20th at 8:00 PM Eastern Time and will be broadcast nationally on ACC Network channel number six hundred twelve for viewers across different regions.