Duke’s Kyle Filipowski, right, works against Georgia Tech’s Tyzhaun Claude (12) in the post during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Georgia Tech had Duke on the ropes in this one. Trailing by as much as 10 in the second half, Duke had to fight and claw to escape this game with a win.
Observations:
Tyrese Proctor takes over late
After Jeremy Roach was forced to exit the game due to injury, Tyrese Proctor stepped up in a major way. He took over the game offensively, knocking down crucial threes and dishing out massively important assists. Defensively, he forced Georgia Tech into two late turnovers. It was the best stretch of the season for the sophomore guard.
Pick and role defense without Mark Mitchell
Duke’s pick and roll defense suffered mightily without Mark Mitchell. The Blue Devils had no answers for Georgia Tech’s pick and roll attack throughout the game. They were able to take advantage of the lack of size and perimeter pressure from Duke’s defense, routinely creating open looks and lanes to the paint. Duke’s defense desperately needs Mitchell back on the floor.
Ryan Young’s rebounding effort
Ryan Young was sensational on the glass. He pulled down nine rebounds, including four of the offensive variety, in 22 minutes of play. His ability to both keep possessions alive and end defensive possessions was much needed in such a tight game.
Duke protects the ball
Duke turned the ball over just four time Saturday night – a season low. They did a good job of avoiding carless mistakes with the ball.
Key plays from Jaylen Blakes
Jaylen Blake’s box score will not tell the story of his impact in this game. With Duke trailing by seven with 14:12 remaining, his chase down block that led to a Jeremy Roach layup was the spark Duke needed. Moments later, he made the extra pass to find Filipowski for three. He played a huge role in the momentum shifting to Duke’s side in the second half.
Up Next: vs. Pittsburgh