Grayson Allen Leads Duke With 21 Points, Jayson Tatum Executes On Both Sides As They Advance To The 2nd Round

Grayson Allen's role has somewhat changed this year compared to last year when he was the leading scorer this year though in the second part of the season he has been coming off the bench while Frank Jackson has been starting. 

That was no different Friday night when he came off the bench as Duke took on Troy in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Grayson Allen scored 21 points to lead Duke to an 87-65  while he also hit three of Duke's thirteen three -pointers. "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211525891

Jayson Tatum, on the other hand, had himself a night where he dominated both sides of the ball. On the night. Jayson Tatum scored 18 points had 12 rebounds that included nine that were defensive rebounds  to go along with four blocks and four steals.  "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211525891

Duke, which averaged eight 3-pointers a game this season, hit 10 in the opening half to quickly pull away from the Trojans. Tatum opened the game with a 3. A short time later, Frank Jackson, Luke Kennard andMatt Jones had long-range baskets on consecutive possessions as the Blue Devils jumped to a 16-4 lead less than 5 minutes in. "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211525891

Matt Jones finished with 14 points off three 3-pointers and Frank Jackson 12 with two 3s. The Blue Devils' outside touch offset the performance of leading scorer Luke  Kennard, who was just 3-of-12 shooting for eight points -- snapping a streak of 19 games scoring in double figures. "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211525891


The lead shrunk to nine points in the second half, the final time at 59-50 on Wesley Person Jr.'s basket with 14:32 to go. But Jones and Allen followed with 3s and the Trojans (22-15) could not rally. "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211525891

Troy was led by Jordon Varnado had 18 points to lead Troy, which made its first NCAA appearance since 2003. Varnado said the players came out sluggish and could not fight their way out of it. "We've got to use this motivation and fire we had before the game to come back hard" next year, the sophomore said. "according to http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211525891

Number two seeded Duke moves on to the second round Sunday as they take on number seven seeded South Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off is set for 8:40 pm. The game will be televised on TNT. "according to http://www.goduke.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=4200&SPID=1845&SPSID=22726