GREENVILLE, S.C. – Freshman Paolo Banchero scored 17 points with 10 rebounds and No. 2-seeded Duke had five players in double figures as the Blue Devils opened the NCAA Tournament with a 78-61 win over No. 15-seed Cal State Fullerton on Friday at Bons Secours Wellness Arena.
The Blue Devils (29-6) jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first five minutes and remained in control throughout. Duke led by 10 at halftime and pushed the margin to 20 midway through the second half thanks to strong shooting (.517 from the field) and aggressive defense.