Duke squares off with Robert Morris Friday night. (Getty)
Final Score
Duke Blue Devils — 42 – 43 — 85
Robert Morris Colonials — 25 – 31 — 56
Duke made certain it was not going to make an opening round exit in the NCAA Tournament this year.
After bowing out as heavy favorites in two of the past three tournaments, the top-seeded Blue Devils routed No. 16 Robert Morris 85-56 Friday night.
Quinn Cook led the way with 22 points and Jahlil Okafor added 21 for Duke, which can advance to the Sweet 16 with a victory Sunday.
Rodney Pryor scored 23 points and Marcquise Reed had 22 for the Colonials.
For a complete boxscore, click here.
Leading Scorers & Stats
Duke
Quinn Cook – 22 points
Jahlil Okafor – 21 points
Tyus Jones – 10 points
Amile Jefferson – 10 points
Marshall Plumlee – 10 points
Robert Morris
Rodney Pryor – 23 points
Marcquise Reed – 22 points
Duke hasn’t exactly been successful in the NCAA Tournament lately.
In two of the past three years, the Blue Devils have been bounced in their opening game in major upsets.
In 2012, they were knocked out by No. 15 seed Lehigh. Last season, 3rd-seeded Duke was stunned by No. 14 Mercer. Those sandwiched a 2013 run to the Elite Eight.
This year, the Blue Devils are a No. 1 seed. And a top seed has never lost to a No. 16.
Robert Morris is well aware of Duke’s recent Madness stumbles, but it’s still a tall task.
Keep it here for live updates throughout the game.
