The last 15 seconds of Duke and Virginia Tech College Hops Monday night’s game had it all: forward shots, throat punches, no calls and some vomiting.
With the game tied at 75 and less than 20 seconds left, Hokies guard MJ Collins took a pass near the right sideline, dribbled into the paint, and hit a short jumper to give Virginia Tech a 77-75 lead. He then punched back to celebrate — but in the process hit star Duke freshman Kyle Filipowski directly in the throat.
Filipovski fell to the floor, and Collins immediately pulled his hand back as soon as he made contact, showing it was a fluke. Officials reviewed the play and called it no foul — or no offense.
A perfect foul would have given Filippovski two free throws, and a chance to tie the game.
As the team returned to the sidelines, Filipovski still looked shaken, and cameras caught him hanging from his seat. It looks like the 19-year-old even gave it a hug.
“Yeah, he just elbowed me in the Adam’s apple,” Filipovski told reporters after the game. “I couldn’t breathe for a minute, but I had to throw up and I was fine.”
Duke head coach John Scheier added, “He was getting absolutely pumped and couldn’t get out for a second. “He’s a big-time fighter, man.”
Duke’s Tyrese Proctor missed a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession and after Virginia Tech split two free throws, the Blue Devils turned the ball over on their final free attempt.
Virginia Tech won the game 78-75, handing Duke their fourth road loss in five tries. The Blue Devils have three of their next five games on the road, including two against top-20 teams in Virginia and Miami.