Duke Holds Narrow Lead Over NC State at Halftime in ACC Showdown

The ninth-ranked Blue Devils are locked in a tight battle with N.C. State as they head into halftime at PNC Arena in an ACC showdown on Monday night. N.C. State has proven to be a tough opponent, keeping Duke on its toes throughout the first half.

Compared to Duke’s last visit to Raleigh, where they suffered a slow start, the Blue Devils faced another challenging opening against N.C. State. After a sluggish offensive beginning, Duke managed to find its footing midway through the first half, edging ahead of the Wolfpack.

Sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor emerged as a key player for Duke in the first half, leading the team in scoring with sharp shooting and solid defense. Proctor’s performance helped stabilize Duke’s offense as they battled the Wolfpack.

Head coach Jon Scheyer made strategic substitutions, introducing freshmen Sean Stewart and TJ Power, who made significant contributions on both ends of the court. The duo’s presence added depth and energy to Duke’s lineup, giving them a boost against N.C. State.

Despite Duke’s dominance on the offensive glass, their shooting struggled to find consistency in the first half. Offensive rebounds kept the Blue Devils in the game, but their shooting percentages fell below par, posing a challenge against the Wolfpack.

N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. proved to be a formidable force inside, outplaying Duke’s big men and leading the charge for the Wolfpack. Duke’s Kyle Filipowski faced early foul trouble, allowing Burns to dictate the paint and keep N.C. State in contention.

As the teams head into halftime with Duke holding a narrow lead, the second half promises to be a fierce battle between the Blue Devils and N.C. State, with both teams vying for a crucial ACC victory.