Inside the box score: FSU 88, Duke 72

1. Grayson Allen entered the game average 13.5 points and 9.0 assists in ACC play. But the FSU defense held him to just nine points and five assists, and forced three turnovers. It was the 2nd time in his career he’s scored less than 10 points while committing three or more turnovers. It was also the 2nd time this year he failed to make a 3-pointer.
2. Dwayne Bacon struggled at times, getting called for three charges and committing seven turnovers. He did, however, have a career high five assists. He also played 33 minutes, matching his high for the year (Minnesota). With Duke electing to go small all night, Bacon’s defensive presence was key because he has the size to deal with Jayson Tatum, while also being quick enough to switch onto smaller players. The 6-9 Tatum played 38 minutes, and 6-6 Luke Kennard played all 40, which meant Bacon had a long night. Playing 33 minutes is too much in this system, but for one game it certainly helped wear down Duke.
3. Xavier Rathan-Mayes said in the post game that this one was personal, and he’d been waiting since he became one of Grayon Allen’s tripping targets last year. (Note to self: don’t get on X’s bad side). The junior has also stepped up his game tremendously since ACC play began.

4. FSU dominated in 2nd chance points. Duke had 10 offensive rebounds (3 were blocked shots where they maintained control) but converted those 10 extra possessions into just seven points. FSU had 14 offensive rebounds (1 block), while scoring 19 points. This is a category that Florida State has dominated a lot this season, as their hectic style of play leads to lots of runouts with reinforcements crashing the glass.

5. FSU won 88-72 in a 75 possession game. Florida State was the 2nd team this year to hold the Duke offense below a point per possession. In ACC play the Seminoles now have the No. 2 offense and the No. 3 defense. Duke has not lost a game by a larger margin since the 2012-13 season.