Boston College Eagles vs Duke Blue Devils Box Score on Mar 09, 2021

DJ Steward scored 17 points in his first Atlantic Coast Conference tournament game as Duke began what it hopes is a long journey to keep its postseason hopes alive, belting Boston College 86-51 in a first-round game Tuesday at Greensboro, N.C.

The 10th-seeded Blue Devils (12-11) snapped a three-game losing streak. Most projections suggest that Duke must win the ACC tournament in order to extend its streak of NCAA Tournament appearances -- it hasn't missed that event since 1995.

Duke meets seventh-seeded Louisville in Wednesday night's second-round game. The Blue Devils lost twice to Louisville during the regular season, including an overtime decision Feb. 27 at home.

Steward joined freshman classmate Mark Williams, who posted 13 points, as Duke's leading scorers. Jordan Goldwire added 12 points, while Jeremy Roach, Wendell Moore Jr. and Matthew Hurt all had eight points for the Blue Devils.

The outcome marked the end of a miserable season for 15th-seeded Boston College (4-16), which endured numerous cancelled games and personnel changes.

Makai Ashton-Langford's nine points were the most for the Eagles, who were charged with 20 turnovers. James Karnik and DeMarr Lanford added eight points apiece.

Steward hit three 3s in the early going as Duke broke out to a 23-12 edge. The margin was 41-27 at halftime.

Boston College was within 43-32 with 18:22 remaining after Karnik's jumper. Ten minutes later, it was 70-40 after Duke's 10-0 run.

Six Blue Devils connected on at least two 3-point shots, led by Goldwire's 4-for-6 effort. Duke made 15 of 32 shots from long range, while it notched 17 baskets from 2-point range.

Boston College ended up 1-for-15 on 3-point attempts.

Michael Savarino, grandson of legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, recorded his first collegiate point with a free throw in the final minute.

This rematch was nothing like Duke's one-point home victory in early January.

Boston College finished a season that included the mid-February dismissal of coach Jim Christian. The Eagles went 1-3 under interim coach Scott Spinelli.

--Field Level Media