Against Clemson on Jan. 19, the Blue Devils gave away a 12-point lead and got outrebounded 42-26. Clemson had a heavier frontline that was still athletic, but the smaller Devils countered by scoring 37 points on 21 Clemson turnovers. That victory showed naysayers that Duke could beat size with speed.

But Clemson big man James Mays, who played uncomfortably and inconsistently with a wrap on his broken left hand on Jan. 19, has scored 56 points in four games, before Friday, since losing the wrap. Duke forward Kyle Singler had foul trouble in a win over Georgia Tech on Friday so Mays will be a bigger problem this time around.

DUKE'S STARTERS

Kyle Singler 6-8220F

freshman, 13.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg

Lance Thomas 6-8220F

sophomore, 4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg

DeMarcus Nelson 6-4200 G

senior, 15.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg

Gerald Henderson 6-4210 G

sophomore, 12.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg

Greg Paulus6-1185 G

junior, 11.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.4 apg

CLEMSON'S STARTERS

Trevor Booker 6-7235 C

sophomore, 11.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg

Sam Perry 6-5215F

senior, 2.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg

James Mays6-9230 F

senior, 10.7 ppg, 7.0 apg

Cliff Hammonds6-3200 G

senior, 11.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.0 apg

K.C. Rivers 6-5215 G

junior, 14.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg

REGULAR-SEASON RECAP

Duke beat Clemson 93-80 in Durham in their only meeting on Jan. 19 and has won 22 straight against the Tigers.

The Devils are 5-3 against the Tigers in ACC Tournament play, last beating Clemson, 94-63 in the 2000 tournament. Duke must win the ACC Tournament to secure a No. 1 seed and earn an NCAA path that would include returning to Charlotte.