CLEMSON BASKETBALL

(USA TODAY Sports-Steven Branscombe)
(USA TODAY Sports-Steven Branscombe)

No. 1 Duke pulls away with big second half over Clemson


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A close contest for much of the first half spiraled out of control for Clemson at No. 1 Duke Saturday, falling 87-68 in the ACC opener.

Clemson led with under six minutes left in the first half and trailed by seven at the half, but the Blue Devils opened the second half with a 14-0 run and extended their lead to as much as 28 points in the session.

Clemson dropped to 10-4, while the Blue Devils improved to 12-1.

Former instate recruiting target Zion Williamson scored a game-leading 25 points and added 10 rebounds and two blocks and two steals.

Clemson's senior trio of Marcquise Reed (15), Elijah Thomas (14) and Shelton Mitchell (11) scored in double-figures but the next-best contribution was from guard Clyde Trapp and seven points. Clemson shot 37 percent from the field in the second half with three 3-pointers made in 11 attempts.

The loss was a 17th-straight for Clemson in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Clemson heads to Syracuse next on Jan. 9 for an 8 p.m. tip (ACC Network).


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