Duke Wins on Williams’ Career Night vs Syracuse

DURHAM, NC—The Duke Blue Devils defeated the Syracuse Orange by a score of 85-71  on February 22nd at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Duke has now won four games in a row after upsetting No.7 Virginia on Saturday.

Duke jumped out to an early 18-8 lead and never looked back. 

Mark Williams led the way for the Blue Devils with his first career double-double behind a monster stat line of 18 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs. The freshman big man, who’s assumed a bigger role since Jalen Johnson’s departure, has excelled recently. When asked about recent success and increased media availability, Williams said all the added attention is only good “if we win” the game. 

D.J. Steward and Jeremy Roach both recorded seven assists in the contest. Precise ball movement was a major key to Duke’s success with 27 of their 34 made baskets coming via assist. The seven assists were a career-high for both players on a night where it seemed like every basket was assisted. Freshman guard D.J. Steward contributed 21 points, seven assists, and two rebounds.

With the ACC Tournament rapidly approaching, it is the best time to get into a rhythm and Duke has done exactly that. Now hoisting a four-game winning streak, the Blue Devils look to carry this momentum as far as they can. 

The Blue Devils freshman class has been coming alive at the perfect time. Duke received a combined 57 points from freshmen in the win. Four Duke players eclipsed the double-digit threshold against Syracuse. Three of these players were freshmen. 

Sophomore forward Matthew Hurt finished the game 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals while freshman guard Jeremy Roach added in 14 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

The Duke Blue Devils (11-8, 9-6 ACC) return to action Saturday, February 27th against the Louisville Cardinals (11-5, 6-4 ACC) in a pivotal conference matchup.