Blue Devils Hold Off Clemson in Instant Classic, 72-71
Jared McCain and Tyrese Proctor Lead Duke to Thrilling Victory
Durham, N.C. – In a game that came down to the final second, the No. 12 Duke Blue Devils held off the Clemson Tigers, 72-71, on Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
With the win, Duke improved to 15-4 overall and 6-2 in the ACC, while Clemson fell to 13-6 and 3-5.
Jared McCain led the way for the Blue Devils with 21 points, while Tyrese Proctor added 18 points, including the game-winning free throw with just 0.7 seconds remaining.
Kyle Filipowski also had a big game for Duke, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
For Clemson, PJ Hall led the way with 19 points, while Chase Hunter added 14 points.
The game was close throughout, with neither team leading by more than six points at any point.
Duke took a 39-35 lead into halftime, but Clemson came out strong in the second half and took a 51-49 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining.
The Blue Devils responded with a 9-0 run to take a 58-51 lead, but the Tigers came right back and tied the game at 61-61 with just over four minutes remaining.
The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and with the game tied at 71-71, Proctor was fouled with just 0.7 seconds remaining.
Proctor calmly stepped to the line and sank the game-winning free throw, giving Duke the 72-71 victory.
How It Happened
* The game started slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm.
* Clemson took an early 10-5 lead, but Duke responded with a 10-0 run to take a 15-10 lead.
* The Blue Devils led 39-35 at halftime.
* Clemson came out strong in the second half and took a 51-49 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining.
* Duke responded with a 9-0 run to take a 58-51 lead, but the Tigers came right back and tied the game at 61-61 with just over four minutes remaining.
* The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and with the game tied at 71-71, Proctor was fouled with just 0.7 seconds remaining.
* Proctor calmly stepped to the line and sank the game-winning free throw, giving Duke the 72-71 victory.
Key Stats
* Duke shot 43.8% from the field, while Clemson shot 42.6%.
* The Blue Devils made 10 three-pointers, while the Tigers made 9.
* Duke outrebounded Clemson 39-33.
* The Blue Devils had 13 turnovers, while the Tigers had 10.
Player of the Game
Jared McCain was the player of the game for Duke, leading the team with 21 points. He also hit a big three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining to give the Blue Devils a 71-68 lead.
What’s Next?
Duke will travel to Virginia Tech on Monday, January 23, for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff. The Blue Devils will then host North Carolina on Saturday, January 28, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Clemson will host Louisville on Tuesday, January 24, at 7 p.m. ET. The Tigers will then travel to Florida State on Saturday, January 28, for a 12 p.m. ET tipoff.
Full Game Recap
The Blue Devils and Tigers traded baskets in the early going, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage.
Clemson took a 10-5 lead with just over 16 minutes remaining in the first half, but Duke responded with a 10-0 run to take a 15-10 lead.
The Blue Devils held onto their lead for the remainder of the half, taking a 39-35 lead into halftime.
Clemson came out strong in the second half and quickly tied the game at 39-39. The Tigers then took a 51-49 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining.
Duke responded with a 9-0 run to take a 58-51 lead, but Clemson came right back and tied the game at 61-61 with just over four minutes remaining.
The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and with the game tied at 71-71, Proctor was fouled with just 0.7 seconds remaining.
Proctor calmly stepped to the line and sank the game-winning free throw, giving Duke the 72-71 victory.
Postgame Quotes
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer:
“I’m just really proud of our guys. They showed a lot of toughness and resilience down the stretch. We made some big plays when we needed to, and we got a big stop at the end. Tyrese Proctor made a huge free throw for us. I’m just really happy for our guys.”
Clemson head coach Brad Brownell:
“I thought our guys played hard and competed. We had a chance to win the game at the end, but we just didn’t make the play. We’re disappointed, but we have to learn from this and move on. We have a lot of basketball left to play.”
Duke guard Tyrese Proctor:
“It was a great feeling to hit that free throw at the end. I was just trying to stay focused and make the shot. I’m just glad I was able to help my team win.”
Clemson forward PJ Hall:
“We had a chance to win the game, but we just didn’t make the play. We’re disappointed, but we have to learn from this and move on. We have a lot of basketball left to play.”