For a program that is from a state full of mountains, the Colorado State Rams had quite an up-hill battle Wednesday night. Duke typically responds well after a loss, and perhaps they were even more determined to come out and prove a point after having to wait more than a week since their embarrassing loss at Ohio State.
The Blue Devils shot 56 percent from the floor, and had 24 assists on its 31 made field goals on way to the 87-64 victory. The win improves Duke to 8-1 on the season.
They were able to shake off some early rust and used a stellar first half performance from Andre Dawkins and Mason Plumlee to take a 17-point lead into the break.
Dawkins who scored 15 points on 6 of 8 shooting and 3 of 5 behind the arc, only played 12 minutes and didn't play in the second half after suffering back spasms.
Mason Plumlee took advantage of being nearly half a foot taller than the Rams' biggest player and recorded another double double finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. But he also added five blocks, four steals and two assists.
Mike Krzyzewski as expected altered his starting lineup going with Tyler Thornton in place of Dawkins. But he also played most of his bench early in the game.
Josh Hairston, Quinn Cook and Miles Plumlee all got in the game prior to the first TV timeout. Mike Gbinije also some a few minutes in the first half and even more late as the game was well in hand.
Miles Plumlee had a solid game making some nice post moves, and finishing with a strong 14 point, five rebound, three block performance.
Cook once again made a case for more playing time making some outstanding passes, and playing some solid defense. He finished with two points, two assists and three rebounds in 16 minutes. And while his stats aren't eye popping the facet he could bring to this team with his ability to pass could be immeasurable.
Krzyzewski again did not play freshman Alex Murphy further adding to some recent speculation that he may choose to redshirt Murphy with fellow freshman Marshall Plumlee who is already set to sit out the season.
Murphy by all accounts is healthy again, but even though the coaching staff has not indicated a redshirt will be used on him, his not playing only adds to that speculation.
Overall it was a solid bounce back performance for the Blue Devils whose home stand is short lived as they hit the road again for a trip to their home away from home; Madison Square Garden.
Duke will take on Washington in New York, Saturday at noon.
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