The No. 21 Duke Blue Devils got a solid 84-74 ACC road victory over No. 20 Notre Dame last night in South Bend, but it didn’t come without more controversy involving Grayson Allen’s feet.
The Blue Devils’ guard got tangled up with Notre Dame’s Temple Gibbs in the second half, and Gibbs fell to the floor. No foul was called on the play.
Here’s video from SportsCenter:
First off, let me say that it was weird during this broadcast to listen to ESPN color commentator Dan Dakich — who has probably blocked you on Twitter — defend Allen the whole game as though the junior hasn’t had several instances with unacceptable on-court behavior, particularly in the tripping department. This has been a real problem, not some Duke-hating thing or made-up media narrative (Allen was even suspended for it).
Now, in this instance, it’s hard to really conclude much. But that sure looks like it may have been a trip/stomp from Allen (and, to be fair, it also looks like a bit of a flop from Gibbs). And maybe it wasn’t! We’ll let you decide.
Would we even notice the play if it had been anyone else? No, but it’s Allen’s own fault that we’re at this point. Every little play like this is going to be under the microscope until it’s clear he’s changed.
As for Allen’s actual basketball playing, it was quite good. He was Duke’s leading scorer with 21 points in the win.
[ESPN]
