After a 10 day break which included a holiday some rust was to be expected from the Blue Devils and toward the end of the first half Duke defensively showed that rust. The Blue Devils pushed out to a 17 point lead but the Royals were able to trade baskets with the Blue Devils eventually going into the half down just 13. Jared McCain paced the Blue Devils in the first half going for 17 on 7-10 shooting and 3-6 from 3. McCain would end the game with a career high 24 points.
Whatever Jon Scheyer said to the Blue Devils at the half translated well as the Blue Devils were shot out of a cannon in the second half.