Singler yelled something to Boston College's Shamari Spears, who had tossed Henderson to the floor -- the outbursts drawing a technical foul against the Blue Devil.

"I didn't see it, but I know he has my back," said Henderson, who was essentially horse-collared. "He didn't have to do that, he came over there to let me know, but I know,"

"... Kyle's been playing really well, he's been playing really smart, especially on offense. He's really figuring it out."

Whether it was protecting his teammates, snagging rebounds or driving to the basket, Singler was a key in Duke's 90-80 victory over Boston College on Saturday afternoon.

The role of do-everything man isn't new to Singler, who scored 24 points and recovered 10 rebounds. But in recent games, the freshman forward has added to his game.

Singler has always been known as a versatile player, cutting inside, snatching rebounds and powering into the paint. But he has started showing that he's a 3-point hitter, adding another outside threat for Duke and slipping another device in his utility belt.

Singler went 3-for-7 on 3-pointers against BC.

Singler said one reason he's been good from behind the arc is because he's usually quicker than the man guarding him.

"Usually, I have a big man on me," said Singler, who added he doesn't remember what he said to Spears. "... [T]hey just lose sight of a player like myself."

Singler, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds in Duke's 89-78 win over UNC last week, has been excellent this season, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

"He's had a great year. I don't think there's a freshman in the country that's had a better year or been more important to his team," Krzyzewski said. "He's there every night. Defense, offense, tough play -- the kid's had a phenomenal year."

Krzyzewski said Singler reminded him of former Duke stars Shane Battier and Mike Dunleavy Jr., but may be better than either was as a freshman.

Singler, who entered the game averaging 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds, said the Eagles were intense and good Saturday. With the score tight for most of the game, the forward said he felt energized.

"I'm a player who likes tight games," Singler said. "... I feed off of that."

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