GREENSBORO, N.C, (AP) — Kyle Filipowski overcame an early ankle injury to score 22 points, Tyrese Proctor added 11 points and 10 assists, and No. 21 Duke cruised to a 96-69 win over Pittsburgh on Thursday in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament quarterfinals.
Dereck Lively II had 13 points and Mark Mitchell added 12 for the fourth-seeded Blue Devils, who shot a season-high 62% from the floor and built a 48-32 halftime lead en route to their seventh straight win. It’s the longest active streak of any ACC team.
Nike Sibande had 17 points and Guillermo Diaz Graham had 14 for Pitt (22-11).
Duke’s recent formula for success has been focused on defense and rebounding, but its offense took a big step forward in the first half, when the Blue Devils made 13 3-pointers and posted a season-high for points scored.
Duke (24-8) moves on to face top-seeded and 14th-ranked Miami in Friday’s semifinals.
The Blue Devils scored on their first four possessions, bolting to a 12-0 lead with Filipowski knocking down 3s from the right corner and left wing.
Filipowski drew gasps from Duke fans in the crowd when he appeared to twist his left ankle after banging into Pitt’s Blake Hinson less than three minutes in. He had to be helped to the bench, but returned about six minutes later after getting taped and scored 14 points before the break.
Filipowski only played 15 minutes, leaving with 11 1/2 minutes remaining with Duke safely ahead by 32 points.
Duke shot just 6 of 32 from 3-point range over its past two games, but matched that output in the first half with Filipowski making half of those. Overall, the Blue Devils were 13 of 18 from long range.
Even Lively joined in the fun, when the 7-foot-1 center known for his shot-blocking drained a 3 from the left corner to stretch the lead to 29 less than four minutes into the second half.
BIG PICTURE
Pitt: The Panthers entered the ACC tournament in pretty good shape to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 — and the first time under coach Jeff Capel. The Panthers will have to put this one behind them quickly and regroup after a disappointing showing.
Duke: This was a dominant effort from everyone on the Blue Devils roster, and should raise some eyebrows from around the country as they begin to march toward the NCAA Tournament. With a strong showing in the ACC Tournament, it’s possible Duke may get to play close to home at the Greensboro Coliseum.
UP NEXT
Pitt: Await their NCAA Tournament fate.
Duke: Will face top-seeded Miami in the semifinals Friday. The two teams split the season series with Duke winning 68-66 on Jan. 21 at Cameron Indoor Stadium and losing 81-59 at Miami on Feb. 6.
