Williams, Banchero Lead No. 8 Blue Devils Past Wolfpack, 88-73

DURHAM, N.C. – Sophomore Mark Williams had 19 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocks as No. 8 Duke dominated inside to beat NC State 88-73 Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Freshman Paolo Banchero added a team-high 21 points to help the Blue Devils (14-2, 4-1 ACC) win for the third time in four games. Duke shot a season-best .583 from the field and had complete control of the paint behind the 7-foot-1 Williams, who set a career high in blocks.

The big man thrived by shooting 9 for 12 from the field, which included finishes around the rim multiple times through whistles as the Wolfpack defenders were unable to to stop him.

Banchero had plenty of good looks of his own with his 6-foot-10 frame inside. Behind that duo, Duke finished with a season-high 58 points in the paint.

Freshman Terquavion Smith scored 19 points for NC State (9-9, 2-5 ACC), which shot 41 percent. The Wolfpack had won seven of the last eight ACC road games dating to last year, including a 16-point win Wednesday at Louisville, but the Blue Devils stretched out the lead shortly before halftime then scored on their first three second-half possessions to push the margin past double figures.

Duke took its biggest lead at 64-45 on a Joey Baker three-pointer with 10:59 left. NC State thrice got as close as nine, only to see Duke respond with a score on the ensuing possession each time to stay in control.

Five Blue Devils reached double figures in scoring, including graduate transfer Theo John, who went 4-of-4 for a season-high 10 points in 11 minutes. Junior Wendell Moore Jr., added 15, while freshman Trevor Keels had 12 with a season-high nine assists.

Duke will hit the road for a Tuesday night matchup against Florida State in Tallahassee. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. on ESPN.