UNCASVILLE, Conn., Sporting Alert — Top Freshman Frank Jackson climbed off the bench to score 17 points and led five Duke players in double figures and the No. 1 Blue Devils beat Penn State 78-68 Saturday in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament semifinals.
Jackson, who was held to just 11 points in the defeat to Kansas on Tuesday night, shot 6 of 14 from the floor against Penn State and played a season-high 35 minutes.
Amile Jefferson had 16 points on 6 of 9 shooting, 15 rebounds and four blocks for Duke, while Luke Kennard and Matt Jones each scored 15 points for the nation’s top-ranked team.
Grayson Allen shook off a toe injury to finish with 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals in the win.
More Injuries For Duke
The Blue Devils (3-1), who were already without freshmen Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles and Marques Bolden, also had to play most of the game without sophomore forward Chase Jeter, who suffered an ankle injury early in the first half.
“We’re banged up more than any team I’ve ever coached,” said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. “Before the game and then during the game.
“I mean, Amile has been hurt this week. He has 15 rebounds and 16 points.”
Jeter rolled his left ankle while going for an offensive rebound under the Penn State basket and needed assistance to get off the court after being on the floor for several minutes.
He played just six-minutes before being helped to the locker room and did not return.
He’s unlikely to feature in the championship game on Sunday, with Krzyzewski listing his status as “doubtful.”
Tony Carr had 20 points, six rebounds and three assists, Shep Garner added 15 points and Payton Banks scored 13 points for Penn State (2-2).
Duke will next face Rhode Island in the championship game after the No. 21 Rams picked up a 76-71 comeback victory over No. 24 Cincinnati in their Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament semis.
E.C. Matthews scored 18 points, including two late 3-pointers to lead Rhode Island, with Kuren Iverson adding 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Jared Terrell and Hassan Martin each scoring 14 points.
The Rams are 4-0 this season.
TOP 25 BASKETBALL SCORES
NO. 1 DUKE 78, PENN STATE 68
NO. 17 ST. MARY’S 61, DAYTON 57
NO. 21 RHODE ISLAND 76, NO. 24 CINCINNATI 71
