Duke Wins in Thrilling Victory Over Clemson: Eyes Set on Rivalry Clash with UNC

Durham, N.C. – Duke faced off against ACC rival Clemson at the Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday, January 26th, securing a nail-biting victory with a final score of 72-71. Clemson, with a 13-5 overall record and a 3-4 standing in the ACC, stumbled in four of its last six games, relegating them to the 10th spot in the latest ACC standings. In contrast, Duke (14-4, 5-2) stands strong in third place, boasting an impressive nine wins in its last ten games.

Senior Jeremy Roach didn’t start but entered the game within the first five minutes, displaying perseverance ahead of the impending UNC vs. Duke clash the following Saturday. On a positive note, Tyrese Proctor, returning from injury, showcased his strong shooting abilities,  going 3-4 from beyond the arc in the first half and injecting new energy into Duke’s backcourt. Duke’s offense sparked several runs in the first half, attacking the paint and playing inside-out, causing Clemson’s defense to collapse and freeing up the perimeter. Duke’s adaptability and strategic play are pivotal strengths in their game plan.

However, Filipowski faced another slow offensive start at home, raising concerns for Duke’s upcoming matchup against North Carolina, particularly in the paint against players like Bacot. His foul issues these past few games have made it hard for him to catch a rhythm on the offensive end. 

The interior defense from Duke has been worrisome throughout the season. The second half began with the Blue Devils struggling to find their man on defense, missing crucial free throws, and losing rebound battles. Down the stretch, freshman McCain emerged as the difference-maker, finishing the game with 21 points, 3-7 from beyond the arc, and 8-12 from field goals. McCain’s two consecutive steals in the final minutes proved crucial. It seemed as though McCain wanted this win out of anybody tonight. 

Two pivotal plays defined the game—a significant and-1 by Filipowski, tying the game with 12 seconds to go, and Proctor’s last-second drive to the paint, drawing a foul and sinking two free throws to clinch the victory. An intense conclusion to a closely contested game!

Next up, catch Duke at the Dean Smith Center in a colossal rivalry game against UNC on Saturday, February 3rd.