The Duke Blue Devils kicked off their 2025 ACC Tournament campaign with a high-intensity matchup against Georgia Tech on Thursday at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. As the No. 1 seed in the tournament and the top-ranked team in the country, Duke entered the game with high expectations, while Georgia Tech, the No. 8 seed, aimed to pull off a major upset after defeating Virginia in the first round.
Fans eagerly anticipated this clash, especially given Duke’s dominant 82-56 victory over Georgia Tech earlier in the season. However, this ACC Tournament showdown had a much different storyline, as Duke found itself in an unexpected battle. Here’s a full breakdown of the Duke vs Georgia Tech Highlights, including key moments, standout performances, and a thrilling second-half rally.
Duke’s Cold Start & Georgia Tech’s Early Surge
The game didn’t start the way Duke fans had hoped. The Blue Devils struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc, missing their first eight 3-point attempts. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech capitalized on Duke’s slow start, hitting three of their first five shots from deep and jumping out to a 16-8 lead with 11:29 left in the first half.
Adding to Duke’s troubles, star freshman Cooper Flagg suffered a left ankle injury, forcing him to leave the court before halftime. Maliq Brown also exited due to injury, putting additional pressure on Duke’s lineup. The Yellow Jackets took full advantage, extending their lead to 23-12 by the 7:38 mark in the first half.
Despite a strong defensive presence, Duke’s poor 3-point shooting continued to be an issue, allowing Georgia Tech to maintain control. The Blue Devils went into the locker room trailing 31-26, marking one of their worst first-half performances of the season.
Second-Half Turnaround: Duke Rallies in Dominant Run
After a frustrating first half, Duke came out of the break with a renewed energy. The Blue Devils opened the second half with a 10-0 run, flipping the momentum and taking a 36-31 lead with 15:51 remaining.
This shift in energy was fueled by strong defensive play and improved offensive execution. Duke tightened up on defense, forcing turnovers and limiting Georgia Tech’s scoring opportunities. At the same time, Khaman Maluach overcame early foul trouble to step up in the paint, contributing key rebounds and points inside.
The game-defining moment came during Duke’s extended 19-2 run, which completely erased Georgia Tech’s first-half lead. With the Blue Devils now in control, Georgia Tech struggled to keep pace.
Key Moments in Duke vs Georgia Tech Highlights
Cooper Flagg’s Injury & Impact on Duke
Even though Cooper Flagg exited in the first half, Duke managed to rally without their star player. Flagg has been the heart of this Blue Devils squad, averaging 19.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this season. His absence was a significant blow, but Duke’s depth proved to be crucial in this ACC Tournament matchup.
Khaman Maluach Battles Through Foul Trouble
Early foul trouble sidelined Khaman Maluach for much of the first half, but in the second, he made a big impact. Maluach, Duke’s 7-foot-2 center, controlled the paint and provided much-needed scoring, finishing with a strong performance in the second half.
Tyrese Proctor’s Gritty Play
Playing with a black sleeve on his left knee due to a bone bruise, Tyrese Proctor fought through discomfort to keep Duke’s offense moving. His leadership on the court was key in settling Duke down after their rough start.
Duke’s Defensive Lockdown in the Second Half
After allowing Georgia Tech to shoot efficiently in the first half, Duke’s defense stepped up in a major way. The Blue Devils held Georgia Tech to just 31 points in the second half, forcing key turnovers and making the Yellow Jackets work for every shot.
Final Score & What’s Next for Duke
With a dominant second-half rally, Duke sealed an 85-62 victory, punching their ticket to the ACC Tournament semifinals. The Blue Devils proved why they are the No. 1 team in the nation, showcasing resilience and depth even in a tough situation.
This edition of Duke vs Georgia Tech Highlights had everything—early struggles, injuries, a massive comeback, and a statement win. Now, the Blue Devils shift their focus to the next challenge as they look to secure another ACC Tournament title.
Final Thoughts on Duke vs Georgia Tech Highlights
Despite a rough first half, Duke showed why they are a championship-caliber team. Their defensive adjustments, resilience, and second-half surge made the difference in this ACC Tournament battle.
For Georgia Tech, this game proved they could compete with the best, but Duke’s depth and talent were too much to overcome. Now, the Blue Devils turn their attention to the next step in their quest for a conference title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
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