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Duke falters late in 2nd half as they lose second ACC game

By Dimitri Quaglierini

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 06: Fans of the North Carolina State Wolfpack celebrate following their win against the Duke Blue Devils at PNC Arena on January 6, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State won 96-85. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 06: Fans of the North Carolina State Wolfpack celebrate following their win against the Duke Blue Devils at PNC Arena on January 6, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State won 96-85. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team traveled to Raleigh in hopes of avenging last year’s loss to North Carolina State. Unfortunately, that did not happen as the Blue Devils fell to the Wolfpack 96-85. Unlike most games, Duke was abysmal tonight from three point range shooting a mere twenty percent.

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Freshman sensation and perennial top three pick Marvin Bagley III led the way with 31 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting 11 of 14 from the field . For Duke, this is second loss in conference play and second loss overall, as they fall to 13-2. Duke has struggled mightily this season when up against inferior opponents and that is something that cannot going forward if this team expects to make a deep run come March.

The ACC this year is stacked from top to bottom as evident in this game, but with each game comes a learning experience for this young Duke squad to move forward. In this game, Grayson Allen had an off night as he was ineffective on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Allen finished the night with a mere 8 points on three of nine from the field. The environment surely had an impact in this one and whenever Duke went on small runs early in the 1st half, NC State responded quickly led by the likes of Torin Dorn.

Moving forward, the Blue Devils defense must improve quickly. Giving up 96 points to an NC State team that was winless in conference play coming into tonight is an embarrassment. On the defensive side of the ball, all five of the Wolfpack starters were in double figures, in addition to the bench putting up a staggering 25 points. For Duke, it’s all about continuing to push forward and take each game as a learning moment. This team has all the ingredients needed to be a successful come March.

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Progressing, I strongly believe Coach K needs to look more towards his bench. Alex O’Connell has the makings of a Luke Kennard type player and he could provide much needed breaks for Duval, Allen, and Trent Jr. I am not a fan of a five or six man rotation due to the starters being overworked, but potentially that may change in the future with the gruesome schedule of the ACC. Duke will continue to move forward and avenge this loss as they face off against a tough Pittsburgh team on the road Wednesday night.

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