What many claimed as a possible Final Four preview lived up to the hype–at least early-on–with eight lead changes in the first five minutes of the game. After the early see-saw affair, the Duke Blue Devils (5-0) pulled away for good, taking a commanding lead which they would not relinquish.

The No. 4 Wildcats (4-1) picked up their first loss on the season. The loss stemmed from many variables, but most important was fact that AP Preseason All-American Jacob Pullen was held to just four points for the game. Pullen’s 41-game streak of scoring in double figures vanished, and with it went the Wildcats’ flawless record on the young season.

The Wildcats held the edge on the glass, 33-26, and made more field goals than Duke, but foul shots came back to haunt them as Duke went on to win 82-68. The Blue Devils shot 24-of-31 from the charity stripe while Kansas State shot a dismal 11-of-23.

Duke also held Kansas State to its lowest three-point output of the season (3-of-17) and forced the Wildcats into a season-high 21 turnovers.

Five players scored in double figures for Duke, led by a magnificent performance from freshman Kyrie Irving. Irving ended the game with 17 points, five assists and five rebounds. Nolan Smith accumulated the same statistics as Irving, while both Kyle Singler and Andre Dawkins chipped in 11 points apiece. Mason Plumlee came away with 10 points and five rebounds.

As for Kansas State, three players were in double-figures, led by senior Curtis Kelly’s 19-point, six-rebound performance. Jamar Samuals chipped in 12 points and five rebounds and Martavious Irving added 11.

The Wildcats return to the friendly confines of Bramlage Coliseum on November 26th to take on Texas Southern. Tip is scheduled for 7PM.