Blue Devils find focus, crush Hokies

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Changes to the starting lineup. A team ban on social media. A bus ride to Blacksburg.

Duke made lots of changes coming into its game at Virginia Tech on Thursday night, and the No. 7 Blue Devils put together one of their more complete performances in a 75-60 victory.

“Once we get going and our offense gets going and our defense plays at the same level as our offense, we’re a good team,” said Ryan Kelly, who scored 15 points.

Austin Rivers led the Blue Devils with 18 points and added five assists and five rebounds, and the Blue Devils used a 13-2 burst late in the first half to open a double-digit lead they never relinquished.

Krzyzewski made two changes to the starting lineup, removing Seth Curry and Kelly in favor of Josh Hairston and Tyler Thornton — a move mostly inspired by defensive play.

But Kelly still had a huge impact, and in a key spot.

He had seven points in the 13-2 spurt that helped the Blue Devils (19-3, 6-1 ACC) pull away. Rivers hit a 3-pointer and Kelly scored the last five in a 10-0 burst in the second half when Duke extended its lead to 62-40 with 11:19 remaining.

Curry added 11 points and Mason Plumlee had 10 for Duke.

The loss was the seventh in eight games for Virginia Tech (12-10, 1-6) and left coach Seth Greenberg hoarse and disappointed, he said, with how his team handled adversity.

TOP 25

NO. 10 MURRAY ST. 81, SE MISSOURI ST. 73

At Murray, Ky., Isaiah Canaan scored 32 points and Murray State remained unbeaten with a win over Southeast Missouri State. Jewuan Long added 13 points for the Racers (22-0, 10-0 Ohio Valley Conference). Marcus Brister had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Redhawks (12-10, 7-3).

STATE

BENEDICT 76, MOREHOUSE 62

Rickie Jackson and Antrjuan Albright scored 12 points each to lead the Tigers (9-8, 8-7 SIAC) past the Maroon Tigers (3-14, 3-12) to snap a five-game losing streak. Morehouse dropped its ninth straight.

ELON 99, COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON 98 (2OT)

At Elon, N.C., Lucas Troutman scored 26 points and Jack Isenbarger 25 as the Phoenix (11-10, 6-4 Southern Conference) edged the Cougars (13-10, 5-7) in double overtime after losing a big lead.

UNC GREENSBORO 82, THE CITADEL 71

At Greensboro, N.C., Trevis Simpson scored 23 points as the Spartans (9-14, 7-4 Southern Conference) held off the Bulldogs (4-18, 1-10) to win their seventh straight game. Mike Groselle scored 20 for The Citadel.

PRESBYTERIAN 65, HIGH POINT 62

At High Point, N.C., Al’Lonzo Coleman scored 21 points, including the game-winning layup, and also had 13 rebounds and eight assists to lift the Blue Hose (9-13, 3-9 Big South Conference) over the Panthers (8-15, 4-9).

CAMPBELL 62, CHARLESTON SOUTHERN 57

At Buies Creek, N.C., Trey Freeman scored 13 of his 22 points in the second half and the Camels (15-10, 9-4 Big South Conference) beat the Buccaneers (14-8, 8-4).

WINTHROP 77, RADFORD 63

At Radford, Va., Andre Jones scored 17 points and George Valentine turned in a double-double as the Eagles (10-14, 7-6 Big South Conference) dealt the Highlanders (4-21, 1-12) their 19th loss in 20 games.