Tyrese Proctor free throws lift Duke basketball win Clemson Yahoo Sports

Duke Blue Devils avoid second straight loss with big win over Clemson. Freshman guard Jared McCain scored 21 points. ACC Power Rankings.

In a thrilling game that saw 11 ties and 12 lead changes, the 12th-ranked Blue Devils (15-4, 6-2 ACC) managed to come out on top against the Tigers (13-6, 3-5). Tyrese Proctor led the way with 18 points, one of three Blue Devils to score in double figures.

Despite missing 12 free throws and enduring a nearly five-minute scoring drought in the closing minutes, Duke pulled through when it mattered most, avoiding a second consecutive loss at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

One of the standout performances came from freshman guard Jared McCain, who single-handedly carried Duke during a crucial four-minute stretch in the second half as Clemson made a strong push. McCain scored nine consecutive points for the Blue Devils and finished with 16 in the second half, ultimately tallying a game-high 21 points, including 11 in the final 12 minutes.

However, Duke's leading scorer and rebounder, Kyle Filipowski, had a tough night against Clemson. With 12 minutes remaining, Filipowski had accumulated just four points, four rebounds, and four fouls in 18 minutes before returning to the game with just over six minutes left. Despite his struggles, Filipowski managed to contribute a crucial three-point play to give Duke the lead before fouling out with 7.4 seconds remaining. He finished the game with nine points on 2 of 8 shooting, marking only his third game this season with single-digit points.

In the first half, Duke appeared poised to pull away from the Tigers, embarking on a 17-2 run over a seven-minute stretch to establish a 12-point lead. Mark Mitchell (10 points) and Tyrese Proctor (9 points) played pivotal roles during this stretch, as both teams grappled with offensive inconsistency. However, after securing a double-digit lead, Duke failed to score in the final three minutes of the half.

In conclusion, Duke's hard-fought victory over Clemson showcased the team's resilience and ability to deliver under pressure. The game featured an array of dramatic moments and standout performances, ultimately culminating in a thrilling win for the Blue Devils.

For more sports coverage and updates, you can reach out to staff writer Rodd Baxley at [email protected] or connect with him on Twitter at @RoddBaxley.