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No. 20 Duke snaps three-game skid with win at N.C. State

Matt Jones, Anthony Barber

Duke’s Matt Jones (13) and North Carolina State’s Anthony Barber (12) chase after the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

AP

Duke snapped its three-game losing streak by picking up an important 88-78 ACC road win at N.C. State on Saturday afternoon. Freshman Brandon Ingram and sophomore Grayson Allen were both tremendous in the win as the Blue Devils picked up a decisive victory in a building that has been tough for them in recent years.

Ingram went for 25 points and seven rebounds, scoring effortlessly in multiple ways and finishing 10-for-16 from the floor. Allen was great attacking off the dribble and finished with 28 points, seven assists and seven rebounds on 11-for-17 shooting from the field. The duo led a Duke offense that was red hot in the second half and scored field goals nearly every trip down the floor.

N.C. State (11-9, 1-6) had solid offensive contributions from multiple players, as Cat Barber led five players in double figures with 19 points, but they just couldn’t get enough stops to get back in the game in the second half.

This is the type of confidence-boosting win that Duke needed heading into Monday night’s game at Miami. The Blue Devils showed with the win at N.C. State that even though they have lost a few games early in ACC play that they have the talent to compete with anyone if Ingram and Allen play well.

The Blue Devils (15-5, 4-3) only went six deep against the Wolfpack and got away with it thanks to minimal foul problems and some scoring around the two stars. Ingram looked like an All-ACC player against N.C. State and if Allen plays to that level, Duke’s offense will be really tough to stop on most nights.