Wake Forest University
Duke
Deacs Edged by No. 12 Duke, 99-94
2/18/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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By Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@TieDyeNation)
DURHAM, N.C. - Despite trailing by 12 with just over 12 minutes remaining in the contest, Wake Forest brought the score within one before falling to No. 12 Duke 99-94 Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
John Collins recorded a career-high 31 points, the most by a Demon Deacon since Devin Thomas recorded 31 against Louisville Jan. 4, 2015 and the most by a Deac at Cameron Indoor since Rodney Rogers had 35 in 1993. The 31 points also mark his 10th consecutive 20-point game, the longest streak in the ACC this season and the most by a Deac since Skip Brown also had 10 in 1974-75. Collins also pulled down 15 rebounds, one shy of matching a career high, for his 13th double-double and 11th 20-point, 10-rebound game this season.
Bryant Crawford recorded his 19th consecutive double-digit game with 21 points while Keyshawn Woods finished with 13 and Brandon Childress added 10 for the Deacs.
Collins put the Deacs (15-12, 6-9 ACC)on the board early in what would turn into a volatile first half. Down 33-30 with 6:12 remaining in the half, Collins scored eight-straight points for the Deacs, bringing the score to 40-38 Duke (22-5, 10-4 ACC), while a dunk from Crawford tied the game 40-all. The Deacs fought through 14 lead changes and seven ties to enter halftime tied at 47.
The Blue Devils managed an early 9-0 run in the second half to take a 63-54 lead. Duke continued to hold Wake Forest at arm's-length until the Deacs caught fire in the field and brought the score within one, 91-90, with 2:29 remaining. From there, the Blue Devils sealed the game from the free throw line, going 6-for-6 in the final 31 seconds to take the 99-94 victory.
The Demon Deacons return home to the LJVM Coliseum to face the Pitt Panthers Wednesday, Feb. 22. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
