Mason Plumlee and Duke got the better of C.J. Leslie and N.C. State in the rematch of the Triangle's two best teams. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

DURHAM—The first time Duke faced N.C. State, the Blue Devils were beginning their search for a new offensive identity.

It was clear Thursday night that they have found it, especially least early in the game, as the first-half cushion they built didn’t ran out in a 98-85 win. But the Wolfpack came close late in the game, making Duke work until the final minute.

“I don’t know how you couldn’t be proud of both teams tonight,” Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “That was great ACC basketball.”

Each team traded outstanding shooting halves, as Duke shot 61.3 percent from the field in the first half and led 58-37. N.C. State responded with a 65.5 percent performance to make the game interesting late.

Duke is focused on fixing the defensive errors that led to plays like this C.J. Leslie dunk. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

Duke vs. N.C. State
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham
TV/Radio: WRAL-ACC Network/WKIX-102.9 FM

Lots of pregame reading for this one:

A look at what's happened to Duke and N.C. State since their first meeting

Joe Giglio on a potential case of voodoo that's been plaguing Triangle point guards of late

A few lessons Duke learned from the first go-around.

Here's a position-by-position breakdown, courtesy of esteemed colleague and N.C. State beat writer Joe Giglio.

Tale of the Tape

Josh Hairston is doubtful for the N.C. State game due to an infection in his right arm. Credit: STEVE CANNON/AP

Duke reserve forward Josh Hairston, who has an infection in his right arm, is "doubtful" for Thursday's game against N.C. State, the school said Wednesday. Hairston cut his arm against Jan. 30 at Wake Forest and was able to play last Saturday at Florida State, but the infection became problematic in the past few days. His arm is currently in a sling.

Hairston has averaged 15.4 minutes per game through Duke's ACC slate, and he averages 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in that same span. It's his minutes that will be most missed, as Duke's frontcourt depth was already thin due to Ryan Kelly's right foot injury. Amile Jefferson has developed nicely since the Jan. 12 loss at N.C. State, but, should he get into foul trouble, Duke doesn't have another proven option.