Duke Blue Devils Overcome Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a Second-Half Surge

In a captivating ACC Quarterfinal matchup, the Duke Blue Devils showcased their resilience and strategic depth to secure a victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The final score stood at 78-70, reflecting the intense competition between both teams. This win improves Duke's record, further solidifying their position as one of the top contenders in college basketball.

Blue Devils' Second-Half Comeback

The game began with both teams displaying strong defensive plays, but it was the second half where Duke truly shined. After trailing at halftime with 26 points to Georgia Tech's 31, Duke mounted an impressive comeback in the second half by scoring 52 points. This offensive explosion was spearheaded by remarkable performances from key players.

Kon Knueppel led the charge for Duke with an outstanding 28 points, complemented by his eight assists and five rebounds. His efficiency on the court was unmatched, making significant contributions to both offense and defense. Khaman Maluach also made his presence felt with 14 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his dominance under the basket with four blocks.

Yellow Jackets' Effort Falls Short

Despite their loss, Georgia Tech put up a valiant effort against Duke. Their strategy focused on fast breaks and utilizing turnovers which allowed them to score nine fast break points and twelve points off turnovers respectively. The Yellow Jackets were led by their effective field goal percentage of 52 percent and three-point shooting accuracy of 44 percent which kept them competitive throughout the game.

Georgia Tech's biggest lead was fourteen points in the first half thanks to their aggressive playstyle that initially caught Duke off guard. However, they struggled to maintain this momentum against Duke’s adjustments after halftime.

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate another exciting match as the Duke Blue Devils are set to host North Carolina Tar Heels at Spectrum Center on March 14th at 7:00 PM EDT. This upcoming game promises to be another thrilling chapter in college basketball that fans can watch on ESPN Networks.

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