Five halftime takeaways from the first half of Duke men’s basketball’s matchup with NC State, ranked second

Duke’s showdown with the second-ranked NC State Wolfpack was always going to be a highly anticipated battle. With both teams fighting for supremacy in the ACC, the first half was full of tension, drama, and moments that could define the outcome. Heading into halftime, Duke found themselves in a position that reflected both promise and areas of concern. The opening 20 minutes showed what both teams were made of, and for Duke, there were clear takeaways to consider as they prepared for the second half.

While NC State came into the game with a potent offense and a well-oiled defense, Duke’s aggressive style and youth-infused energy posed challenges for the Wolfpack. The first half saw the game swing in both directions, with Duke having moments of brilliance but also struggling to find consistency. With that in mind, let’s break down five key takeaways from Duke’s performance in the first half of the game, which can set the stage for adjustments and insights as the second half unfolds.

Takeaway 1: Defensive Pressure Is Duke’s Defensive Backbone, but Consistency Is Key

Duke’s defense has been a hallmark of their play throughout the season, and the first half against NC State was no different. Early on, the Blue Devils showcased their ability to disrupt the Wolfpack’s offense, with their full-court press and relentless trapping creating turnovers and forcing bad shots. Players like Cooper Flagg and Tyrese Proctor were active on defense, using their length and anticipation to make life difficult for NC State’s ball handlers.

The Duke defense was most effective when they were in transition, turning NC State’s mistakes into fast-break opportunities. The intensity of their on-ball pressure often forced NC State into hurried decisions, which led to contested shots and rushed plays. Flagg, in particular, was a menace defensively, showcasing his versatility as he switched onto various players, guarding both perimeter players and interior threats.

However, as strong as Duke’s defensive performance was at times, there were moments where the consistency slipped. At various points in the first half, NC State found seams in the Blue Devils’ defense, particularly in transition defense and on secondary rotations. NC State’s ability to capitalize on missed assignments and quick-ball movement exposed Duke’s occasional lack of focus in key moments. Whether it was losing sight of shooters in the corner or failing to box out on missed shots, these lapses allowed NC State to stay within striking distance.

In the second half, Duke needs to maintain their defensive aggression without sacrificing their structure. They’ll have to clean up those lapses if they want to make a deep run in this game and, more importantly, in the broader ACC race. The first half showed that when Duke is dialed in on defense, they can stifle even the most potent offenses, but they must continue to sustain that pressure and focus over a longer period.

Takeaway 2: Offensive Inconsistencies Need to Be Addressed

Offensively, Duke showed flashes of brilliance in the first half but also moments of stagnation that will need to be addressed. When they were clicking, the Blue Devils’ offense had great ball movement, with multiple players involved in creating open shots. Tyrese Proctor and Jeremy Roach worked well together, playing off of each other and finding ways to set up scoring opportunities for their teammates. Filipowski, despite a few early turnovers, looked comfortable in the post and was aggressive with his shot selection. Cooper Flagg, who has been praised for his versatility, also contributed offensively with key baskets and rebounds.

However, what became evident as the first half wore on was the inconsistency of Duke’s offensive flow. At times, they were stagnant, struggling to create clean looks and falling into isolation basketball too often. Instead of running their offensive sets, Duke tried to break NC State’s defense with individual plays that didn’t come to fruition. The offense began to rely heavily on one-on-one moves, especially when shots from the perimeter weren’t falling as expected.

This is a problem that has plagued Duke at times this season, and it was especially noticeable in the first half. While individual talent like Flagg and Filipowski can make plays in isolation, the offense needs to be more dynamic to keep the defense honest. Duke can’t afford to let a lack of movement or forced shots dictate the rhythm of the game. The first half showed that while Duke can win with talent, they also need to be patient and run their system. If they don’t improve on that front in the second half, NC State’s defense may tighten up and limit Duke’s opportunities.

Takeaway 3: The Importance of Limiting NC State’s Star Players

One of the most intriguing aspects of this game was the battle between Duke’s defense and NC State’s potent offensive trio. The Wolfpack are known for their ability to score in bunches, led by their star players, who can heat up quickly. Duke’s defensive game plan in the first half focused on trying to limit NC State’s top scorers, and while they succeeded in certain areas, they weren’t always able to contain the offensive firepower that NC State brings.

NC State’s leading scorer, Jarkel Joiner, was particularly dangerous in the first half, finding ways to get to the basket and score in a variety of ways. His ability to create separation with his dribble and finish in transition kept NC State within striking distance, especially during moments when Duke’s defense started to falter. Duke was aggressive in trying to shut him down, but Joiner’s quickness and craftiness allowed him to score efficiently.

In addition to Joiner, NC State’s other offensive threats, including Jack Clark and Dereon Seabron, kept Duke on their toes with their ability to stretch the floor and hit timely shots. Duke’s defense did well to contest shots, but there were times when NC State was able to break down their defense through smart ball movement or individual playmaking.

Moving into the second half, Duke must find ways to better disrupt the flow of NC State’s star players. Whether it’s through more help defense on pick-and-roll situations, switching more aggressively, or keeping a body on Joiner when he drives, Duke will need to make NC State uncomfortable. Allowing their stars to get into rhythm would be disastrous, so containing Joiner and others in the second half will be a top priority.

Takeaway 4: The Battle on the Glass is Vital

In the first half, the battle on the boards was a closely contested affair, with Duke and NC State both trading physicality in the paint. While Duke has a size advantage with players like Kyle Filipowski and Dereck Lively patrolling the interior, NC State’s relentless rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass, kept them in the game. Duke did a solid job cleaning the defensive glass, but they struggled at times to secure second-chance opportunities on offense.

The impact of offensive rebounds cannot be overstated in a game like this, where both teams are tightly matched. NC State’s ability to grab key offensive boards and reset possessions allowed them to extend their offense, while Duke’s failure to capitalize on their own second-chance opportunities led to missed scoring chances. In games of this magnitude, it’s crucial that Duke limit the Wolfpack’s offensive rebounds to prevent easy putbacks and reset possessions.

On the flip side, Duke will need to be more assertive in attacking the glass on the offensive end. Filipowski and Lively can be dominant forces on the boards, but they need to be more aggressive and physical in contesting offensive rebounds. By crashing the glass harder and creating second-chance opportunities for themselves, Duke can build a more complete offensive strategy.

Takeaway 5: Duke’s Youth Still Needs to Grow in Big Moments

While Duke has plenty of talented players, there’s no question that they’re a young team with growing pains. In the first half, there were moments when Duke’s youth showed—whether it was a forced turnover, a missed defensive assignment, or a lack of execution in key situations. This is to be expected with a roster that has several underclassmen, but it is an area that must improve for them to be a truly elite team.

One of the biggest challenges for Duke in the second half will be maintaining poise under pressure, particularly as NC State increases their intensity and pushes the tempo. The ability to stay calm in big moments will be critical for Duke’s young players like Flagg and Lively. If Duke can weather those moments and avoid mistakes that lead to fast-break points or easy turnovers, they will put themselves in a better position to close out the game.

Duke’s players need to continue maturing as they gain more experience, especially in high-stakes games like this one. The first half showed that while the potential is there, Duke’s youth will be tested as they face teams that will capitalize on every mistake. How they respond to adversity in the second half could be a defining moment in their season.