Jared McCain Drives Duke to Thrilling Victory over Clemson in ACC Clash

Duke’s Dynamic Duo Shines as Blue Devils Extend Winning Streak

In a pulsating ACC showdown, the 12th-ranked Duke Blue Devils held off a determined Clemson Tigers squad 72-71 at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday afternoon, extending their winning streak to three games. The contest was a tale of two halves, with Duke asserting its dominance in the first and Clemson roaring back in the second. The Blue Devils’ hot shooting and stifling defense kept them in control for most of the opening frame, but the Tigers clawed their way back with a relentless effort on both ends of the court.

Duke’s Dynamic Duo: McCain and Proctor Ignite the Offense

Freshman guard Jared McCain and sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor emerged as Duke’s offensive catalysts, combining for 39 points and providing a steady stream of highlights. McCain, known for his explosive athleticism and fearless drives to the rim, poured in 21 points, including three triples from beyond the arc. Proctor, a sharpshooter with a knack for creating his own shot, added 18 points, showcasing his range with four three-pointers.

Hall’s Quiet Afternoon: A Rare Off-Night for the Tigers’ Star

Clemson’s leading scorer, PJ Hall, endured an uncharacteristic off night, struggling to find his rhythm against Duke’s physical defense. The 6-foot-10 center, who averages 15.3 points per game, was held to just 7 points in the first half and finished with 19 points, well below his usual output. Kyle Filipowski, Duke’s 7-foot center, played a significant role in limiting Hall’s impact, using his length and athleticism to disrupt the Tigers’ inside game.

Proctor’s Clutch Free Throws Seal the Victory

With the game hanging in the balance in the final seconds, Proctor stepped up to the free-throw line with the opportunity to give Duke the lead. The Australian guard, known for his composure and poise under pressure, calmly sank both free throws, securing the victory for the Blue Devils.

A Tale of Two Halves: Duke’s Dominance Gives Way to Clemson’s Resurgence

The first half was all Duke, as the Blue Devils established a 10-point lead early on and maintained a comfortable advantage throughout the period. McCain and Proctor led the charge, combining for 23 points, while Filipowski provided a strong presence in the paint with 9 points and 5 rebounds. Clemson struggled to match Duke’s intensity and efficiency, shooting just 33% from the field.

However, the Tigers came out with renewed energy in the second half, chipping away at Duke’s lead with a series of three-pointers and aggressive drives to the basket. Hall finally found his footing, scoring 13 points in the half, and Joseph Girard III provided a spark off the bench with his outside shooting. Clemson’s relentless effort paid off, as they eventually took the lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game.

A Thrilling Finish: Lead Changes and Dramatic Plays Abound

The final minutes of the game were a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading baskets and the lead changing hands several times. Duke regained the advantage with a layup by Filipowski, but Clemson responded with a pair of free throws from Hall. With just seconds remaining, Proctor was fouled and stepped to the line with the chance to win the game. The confident guard calmly sank both free throws, giving Duke a one-point lead. Clemson had one last opportunity to tie the score, but their desperation shot fell short, sealing the victory for the Blue Devils.

Next Up: Duke Faces Virginia Tech and North Carolina

With the win, Duke improves to 15-4 overall and 6-2 in the ACC. They will next travel to Blacksburg, Virginia, to face Virginia Tech on Monday, February 6th, before returning home to Cameron Indoor Stadium for a highly anticipated matchup against archrival North Carolina on Saturday, February 11th.

Post-Game Quotes:

Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer:

“I’m incredibly proud of our team’s resilience and toughness tonight. Clemson is a great team, and they really tested us in the second half. But our guys showed a lot of character and determination, and they found a way to pull out the win. Jared McCain and Tyrese Proctor were phenomenal tonight. They carried us offensively and made some huge plays down the stretch. Kyle Filipowski also had a big game, especially on the defensive end against Hall. This was a great team win, and I’m excited about the direction we’re headed.”

Clemson Head Coach Brad Brownell:

“We knew coming into this game that Duke was a very talented and well-coached team. They played great in the first half, and we struggled to keep up. But I’m proud of the way our guys responded in the second half. We showed a lot of heart and determination, and we almost pulled off the upset. PJ Hall had a tough night, but he kept fighting and made some big plays for us. Tyrese Proctor was the difference-maker for Duke tonight. He hit some tough shots and made some key plays down the stretch. We’re disappointed with the loss, but we’re going to learn from it and move forward.”

Call to Action:

Don’t miss the Blue Devils’ next thrilling ACC matchup against Virginia Tech on Monday, February 6th. Secure your tickets now and witness the excitement of college basketball at its finest!