In a compelling college basketball showdown, the fifth-ranked Duke Blue Devils emerged victorious over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets with an 82-56 score at McCamish Pavilion. Despite a spirited first-half effort by Baye Ndongo and Duncan Powell, who contributed significantly to their team's offense, the Yellow Jackets struggled to maintain momentum in the second half, succumbing to the superior performance of the Blue Devils.

Game Details

The game unfolded on a crisp Saturday afternoon at McCamish Pavilion. Initially, Duke established a commanding lead, racing ahead by 15 points in the first half. However, Georgia Tech showed resilience, narrowing the gap to just five points at halftime thanks to pivotal contributions from Ndongo and Powell. The turning point came early in the second half when Duke regained control with precision shooting, converting five out of six shots. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets faced a scoring drought, missing 11 consecutive attempts, which allowed Duke to extend its lead to 19 points within seven minutes after the break.

Duke's shooting prowess was evident throughout the match, maintaining a 56% success rate compared to Georgia Tech's 35%. Additionally, the Blue Devils dominated the boards, securing 36 rebounds against the Yellow Jackets' 25. Key players for Georgia Tech included Ndongo and Powell, who combined for 27 points. Ryan Mutombo added defensive support with a team-high six rebounds. Notably, Georgia Tech played without two regular starters, Kowacie Reeves Jr. and Luke O'Brien, due to injuries.

Kon Knueppel led the charge for Duke, contributing 18 points among four double-figure scorers. The victory sets the stage for Georgia Tech's upcoming non-conference game against Alabama A&M on December 28th, providing ample time for reflection and preparation.

This game underscores the importance of consistent performance and depth in collegiate basketball. For Georgia Tech, the absence of key players highlighted vulnerabilities that need addressing. Conversely, Duke's ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain composure under pressure exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier team. This contest serves as a valuable learning experience for both squads, emphasizing areas for improvement and reinforcing strategies for future matches.