Duke Blue Devils Dominate Florida State For Key ACC Road Win

Entering February, the Duke Blue Devils find themselves needing to pick-up crucial road wins to keep pace atop the league standings.

Well, Duke did exactly that on Saturday afternoon, dominating Florida State in Tallahassee, winning by a final score of 79-60.

Aided by a 20-point halftime lead, the Blue Devils did exactly what they needed to against a Florida State squad that seemingly did not show up on Saturday afternoon. It’s becoming a consistent theme for the Seminoles this season, who at this juncture of the season need to start seeing some production in the win column in they hope to dance come March.

The key for Duke however and the story of the game overall, was the Blue Devils’ balance on an afternoon in which leading scorer Mason Plumlee was held to single-digits offensively. Plumlee finished the game with eight points and five rebounds, but it didn’t matter for a Duke squad that is still without senior forward Ryan Kelly.

Seth Curry led the way with 21 points, while Quinn Cook added 18 in the win. The Blue Devils’ back court was dominate, pacing the squad in a game that fell in similar fashion. That balance and overall edge just gives added proof to Duke’s ability and potential, especially when playing on the road in an environment that has not been kind to the Blue Devils over the past few years.

Duke’s ability to push and control the tempo in a game in which Plumlee was virtually held in check is a good sign for the confidence for the others. Credit the Blue Devils for Saturday afternoon’s effort although it didn’t appear that Florida State provided much of a fight in the contest.

 

Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS