Duke earned another ACC win by defeating Clemson on Thursday night, but the Blue Devils’ biggest victory came in escaping Littlejohn Coliseum with a perfectly healthy roster.
Late in the first half of the conference matchup, Duke forward Wendell Moore Jr. stole the ball from Clemson guard David Collins and was in the right position to finish with an easy dunk at the other end. Rising to the edge, Collins sprinted down the track, undercutting Moore, who landed hard along the baseline.
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Moore was able to get back on his feet and stay in the game. Collins was ejected after being called out for a flagrant foul.
David Collins was called a flagrant 2 for this foul on Wendell Moore Jr.
Moore Jr. was able to stay in the game. pic.twitter.com/m8KFBnWj6V
— Sports Center (@Sports Center) February 11, 2022
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who was visibly upset when he ran to the ground to check on Moore, brought up the game after the Blue Devils’ 82-64 win over the Tigers.
“He hasn’t seen himself. We saw him. It was parallel to the ground, eight feet in the air,” said Krzyzewski. “It was one of the most dangerous moves I’ve ever seen. I won’t hit Collins. Do not get me wrong. I’ve never seen a player like this before. Creepy.”
Krzyzewski noted that Clemson coach Brad Brownell brought Collins over for a quick chat and to de-escalate the situation. Collins later apologized on social media, saying he had “never been a dirty player”.
“I’ve never tried to hurt anyone, but I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” Collins said in an Instagram post. “I respect Duke and Clemson and apologize to everyone for reckless play.”
Via his Instagram, David Collins explains what happened during his flagrant foul on Duke’s Wendell Moore, Jr. | #Clemson pic.twitter.com/NPFzrAkwAJ
— Sam Neumann (@Sam_Neumann_) February 11, 2022
Moore, who finished with eight points, eight assists and four rebounds in 33 minutes, tweeted Thursday night to let Duke fans know he wasn’t injured.
“Thanks to everyone who’s been looking for me,” Moore said. “I’m fine, I love you all.”
Thanks to everyone who checked me out!! I’m fine, love you all 💙
— Wendell Moore (@thewendellmoore) February 11, 2022
