The Blue Devils' loss to Texas Techt at Madison Square Garden was the kind of defeat that stings precisely because of how much control the Blue Devils had — and how slowly it slipped away. In an electric, March-level atmosphere, Duke put itself in position to win a high-profile neutral-site game and couldn’t finish the job.

For much of the second half, Duke dictated the terms. Texas Tech found itself in foul trouble, forced to rotate bodies and play more cautiously on defense, while Duke repeatedly got to advantageous spots on the floor.

Then the momentum shifted.

Duke managed to blow an eleven point lead in the final eight minutes of the game. They also missed twelve free throws which ended up being a giant missed opportunity and gave up 17 points off of eleven turnovers, tonight.

The collapse felt eerily familiar. Much like Duke’s Final Four loss to Houston last season, this was a game Duke controlled late before toughness, rebounding, and execution swung decisively the other way. 

This is the first time this season that Duke can say that. So far, the thing that has separated this Duke team from last year's has been their ability to be tough in tight spots and just find a way to win. Just take a look at the Arkansas, Florida, and Michigan State games to name a few.

Hopefully for the Devils, this will be an experience that they can cling onto come March and use to get over the hump in a spot that might determine a Final Four or even a National Championship, possibly.

Postgame, Jon Scheyer was blunt in his assessment. He emphasized that Duke didn’t lose because of one stretch or one call, but because they didn’t close possessions or stay connected when pressure ramped up. Scheyer pointed to decision-making and composure, noting that winning games like this requires sustaining habits, not just building a lead.

Texas Tech deserves credit for surviving foul trouble and responding with force down the stretch. The Red Raiders are an extremely tough team that will a problem as the season progresses.

Duke now gets over a week off before opening ACC play against Georgia Tech on New Year's Eve.