Blue Devils Hold On to Win Another Tight Game vs. Wake Forest

Feb 18, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket past Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket past Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

For the second time this season Duke Basketball went down to the wire and pulled out a tough conference win against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

The Blue Devils earned a hard-fought 99-94 win over Wake Forest to win their seventh straight game. Duke Basketball defeated the Demon Deacons in a thrilling 85-83 victory on the road to begin their current consecutive win streak.

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After the game head coach Mike Krzyzewski noted that despite the team’s recent success, he wants to the players that “It’s easy to lose. It’s hard to win“. The Blue Devils were nearly upset at home by the Demon Deacons but were able to close out the game by limiting their mistakes down the stretch. Wake Forest had a huge performance from sophomore forward John Collins, who dominated scoring 31 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

Duke may have still been tired from their road win at UVA, but this game showed that they are still flawed defensively. They also allowed 21 points from guard Bryant Crawford. The Demon Deacons to score 94 points and shoot over 50% from the field on Duke after excelling against the Cavaliers.

Offensively, Duke was excellent in this game. Six Blue Devils scored in double figures, led by Luke Kennard with 23. Jayson Tatum picked up where he left off against Virginia as a huge threat recording 19 points and 7 rebounds. Grayson Allen continued to struggle shooting but finished with 11 points and 6 assists. Amile Jefferson, Frank Jackson, and Matt Jones also finished in double figures with 16, 12, and 11.

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Duke Basketball survived a scare against Wake Forest to move to 22-5 overall and 10-4 in the ACC. The Blue Devils will have another tough road game next when they head to Syracuse on Wednesday. Duke is currently tied for second place and the ACC with a shot at the regular season conference title.