Duke expected a tough, physical game from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and they got it. The Yellow Jackets took it to the Blue Devils building a 14-6 lead in the first half. The Yellow Jackets outplayed the Blue Devils in the paint on both ends of the floor for the better part of the first half but a 24-9 run to end the half secured an 11 point lead for Duke going into the locker room at the midway point.
Going into the second half with a double-figure lead was not enough cushion for the Blue Devils who promptly began the half flat at the same time Georgia Tech caught fire.