The Eagles opened the game with a quick defensive rebound, a steal, and a layup to grab the first points of the game. Duke responded quickly with a three pointer that was countered by a three by sophomore guard Mike Hughes. The Devils would then go on a seven point run before the Eagles were able to pick up another bucket. Both squads would continue to trade baskets, the Eagles struggling to breach the seven point barrier.
With under twelve minutes in the first half Georgia Southern cut the lead to two with help of a three pointer from freshman guard Tookie Brown.