The Duke Blue Devils are beginning to pull away in the final of the CBE Classic, breaking free from Kansas State to lead at the half, 47-39. The Blue Devils have played strong defense, forcing 12 turnovers while only turning the ball over three times themselves. Each team shot 50 percent from the field for the half, but the Blue Devils also shot 50 percent from three-point range, 3-6. Kansas State connected on just 3-11 three-pointers.
No. 1 Duke Vs. No. 4 Kansas State: Blue Devils Lead Wildcats At The Half, 47-39
The Kansas State starters finally showed signs of life late in the first half, but it’s the bench keeping the Wildcats alive. Through one half of play, the Wildcat starting five has only scored 11 points combined. Coming off the bench, Curtis Kelly led the Wildcats with 11 first half points. Jacob Pullen is having an uncharacteristically quiet night, only scoring three points on 1-5 shooting. The starters have . Martavious Irving and Jamar Samuels combined for 14 points off the bench.
Free throws continue to be an Achilles heel for Kansas State. While Duke connected on 11-14 freebies in the first half, Kansas State shot just 46.2 percent, connecting on 6-13 from the line.
The Blue Devils were led by Kyrie Irving and Nolan Smith. The guard tandem combined for 23 points and five assists in the first half. Mason Plumlee added seven points and three rebounds, two of which came on the offensive end.
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