Georgia Tech might have turned in their grittiest defensive effort of the season in the first half against Duke. Yet a late run has the Blue Devils on top by nine points 37-28 at the intermission.
Tech got off to a fast start behind six early points from Glen Rice Jr. The Yellow Jackets led 9-4 early and then 14-8 with thirteen minutes remaining. They did so by playing strong physical defense along the perimeter against Duke guards Nolan Smith and Seth Curry. It is on the interior where the Yellow Jackets have had a difficult time matching Duke. The Blue Devils hold a 21-14 rebounding advantage and grabbed eight offensive rebounds.
Duke's pressure defense has bothered Tech as well with Iman Shumpert and Glen Rice over dribbling at times which leads to a difficult attempt at the end of the shot clock. Mo Miller came up with a nice first half scoring seven points while also dishing out two assists.
Both teams experienced some foul trouble in the first half with both Shumpert and Rice picking up two fouls apiece for the Yellow Jackets. Duke guard Nolan Smith also picked up two fouls in the first half leading to a Coach K technical foul.
Mo Miller and Iman Shumpert each scored seven points in the first half for the Yellow Jackets. Duke's Nolan Smith leads all scorers with eight points. Mason Plumlee has seven points and six rebounds at halftime.