Duke holds off Maryland behind Mason Plumlee’s impressive all-around performance

Behind the energy of the raucous Comcast Center crowd,
Maryland forward James Padgett, left, attempts to shoot over Duke forward Mason Plumlee in the first half. (Patrick Semansky - AP) Maryland gave eighth-ranked Duke all it could handle for much of Wednesday night’s game. But the strong all-around effort by Mason Plumlee helped the Blue Devils overcome a poor outside shooting night to emerge with a hard-fought 74-61 victory.

Despite entering the game shooting 40 percent from three-point range, the Blue Devils made just 3 of 20 shots beyond the arc. But Plumlee helped Duke keep Maryland at a somewhat comfortable distance in the waning moments of the game.

One critical factor: free throw shooting. Maryland struggled mightily from the line, while the Blue Devils made nearly all of their shots.

The crowd seemed electric during a first half in which the Terrapins stormed out to a lead against one of the nation’s best teams.

Maryland racked up 14 points on its first nine possessions. Throughout the first half, the Terrapins did a great job penetrating against Duke’s defense. But the Blue Devils battled back despite uncharacteristically struggling from the three-point line in the half, making just 2 of 11 beyond the arc.

The fans expressed their displeasure over three questionable calls by the officials in the half, including a charging call on Pe’Shon Howard. Two of Maryland’s big men, Ashton Pankey and Alex Len, picked up two fouls apiece in the first half. Len (ankle) did not start.

What did you think of the crowd? What did you think of the outcome? And what does this mean for Maryland moving forward?

More on Maryland vs. Duke:

Terps show grit, but fall to Blue Devils

Box score: Duke 74, Maryland 61

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Video: Court is named for Gary Williams

Mike Wise: Williams’s love affair with College Park