If the game would have ended after 18 seconds, Eastern Michigan would have found itself with a 2-0 lead after Paul Jackson scored the first points of the game. But that was not the case. Duke was able to build itself a quick advantage off Eagle turnovers. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, Duke would find itself with a 48 to 13 lead.
Eastern Michigan only had a 21.4% shooting percentage versus a 57.1% shot percentage for Duke in the first half. Eastern Michigan would finish the night at 30.9 percent. Both Damari Parris and Kevin McAdoo led Eastern Michigan in scoring with 9 points each.