Duke holds on for 2K Classic chip

November 22, 2015 - Down nine with just over 12 minutes left in regulation, the Hoyas were reeling, having suffered a 21-7 Duke run since intermission. A key coaching move by head coach John Thompson III - about a minute before he switched to a 2-3 zone - then started paying dividends, as G'Town used it almost exclusively, pulling as close as 68-67 with 6:17 on the clock.

Unfortunately for Thompson and the Hoya Nation, his team would get no closer, eventually falling 86-84 in 2K Classic championship play.

Duke and the contest were led by sophomore Grayson Allen's 32 points. He went 9-6 overall, 5-6 beyond the arc and 9-9 on free throws. The Blue Devils finished 47.2% from the field and 44.4% shooting three balls. Junior Matt Jones and freshman Derryck Thornton joined Allen in double figure scoring, dropping 11 an 14 points, respectively. Senior Amile Jefferson was top team and game rebounder with eight.

G'Town was led in scoring by sophomore Isaac Copeland (21 points, 15 in the first half). The Raleigh, NC native almost added to his career high, in dramatic fashion: After the game's last TV timeout, Georgetown battled back from down eight - a deficit reached after an Allen three pointer - climbing to within just two, the clock reading nine seconds. Nailing seven of nine free throws was key to this effort.

It was actually Copeland's three pointer that brought the Hoyas to within a pair of points. Duke's Thornton was fouled, missing both free throws. Copeland garnered the rebound, raced down court and front rimmed a NBA distance three ball while being guarded by Thornton, as time expired.

A trio of Hoyas joined Copeland in double figures; sophomore L.J. Peak had 13 points, including five in the last minute, 12 seconds, to go along with senior D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera who notched 14 points and a game high six assists. Freshman Kaleb Johnson poured in 14 points on 4-5 shooting.

For the game G'Town shot 54.9% from the field and 40.9% on long balls. Thompson's guys were led in rebounding by Copeland (six).

Duke also used zone defense to its benefit, first showing a 2-3 scheme with around 10 minutes remaining in the first half, utilizing it greatly to intermission. At around three minutes into the second stanza, Head Dukie Mike Krzyzewski switched to a 1-3-1 zone, a key to their subsequent 7-0 run. He really didn't ditch it until approximately the six minute mark.

The Blue Devils (4-1, fifth in America) next welcome Yale, a 7p EST, November 25th, tip.

G'Town (1-3), is off until next Saturday, when they defend Verizon Center against the Bryant Bulldogs. That contest begins at Noon.