Duke Rallies Past Miami, Advancing to ACC Championship

BROOKLYN, NY — The Duke Blue Devils (28-5, 16-4 ACC) edge the Miami Hurricanes (23-10, 14-6 ACC) 80-76, in a close win, to advance to the ACC Championship. Duke remains atop of the ACC standings. 

The Blue Devils were off to a slow start before clicking late in the first half and rallying late in the second to hold off a veteran Hurricanes team. 

“That was just a heck of a game. Right after, when Jim and I shook hands on the course, we smiled at one another,” said Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski. 

Both teams had multiple players in double-figures, but the tale of the game was the free-throw line. The Blue Devils shot 77.3% from the charity strike, and the Hurricanes shot 50.0%.

Miami’s senior guard Kameron McGusty shined tonight with 24 points and 7 rebounds. His teammates Jordan Miller and Charlie Moore were a big help down the stretch. Miller scored 17, and Moore scored 15, but that wasn’t enough to overcome Duke’s talent. 

Duke’s stars shined tonight, combining for 56 points, without the help of future NBA draft pick Trevor Keels, who shot 1-7. 

Star freshman forward AJ Griffin led the team in scoring with 21 points. The future lottery pick in the 2022 NBA Draft continued his hot streak from long range. He shot 4-6 from 3-point range and was a big reason Duke stayed afloat late in the first half. 

“Pretty much doing it here in New York, my hometown, having family here, seeing people who grew up watching me play, it feels great,” said Griffin on his performance. “Having my teammates out there too, to be able to inspire me and pick me up on the court. I appreciate it a lot.” 

Freshman forward Paolo Banchero filled the stat sheet tonight, scoring 18 points, with a team-high 11 rebounds and 4 assists. His efficiency was proven, shooting 80% from the floor. The all-around star is also a future lottery pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. 

“I want to play UNC,” said Banchero when asked who he wanted to face on Saturday night for the ACC Championship. 

The Tar Heels beat Duke 94-81 on March 5th. 

Junior forward Wendell Moore Jr. showed his versatility tonight, scoring 17 points and protecting the paint with 3 blocks. 

The Blue Devils will be back in action tomorrow at 8:30 pm EST against the UNC Tar Heels (24-8, 15-5 ACC) or Virginia Tech Hokies (21-12, 11-9 ACC).