The final 15 seconds of Duke College’s hoops game against Virginia Tech on Monday night had it all: a go-ahead shot, a punch to the throat, a no-call and vomit.
With the game tied at 75 and less than 20 seconds remaining, Hokies guard MJ Collins passed near the right baseline, dribbled into the painted area and hit a small jumper to give Virginia Tech a 77-75 lead. He then cocked his fist in celebration – but in the process ended up punching freshman Duke star Kyle Filipowski right in the throat.
Filipowski collapsed to the ground and Collins withdrew his fist immediately on contact, signaling it was an accident. The referees reviewed the play and did not call any flagrant fouls – or any fouls at all.
A flagrant foul would have given Filipowski two free throws, and therefore a chance to tie the game.
Filipowski still looked shaken as the team returned to the sidelines, with cameras capturing him hunched over in his seat. The 19-year-old apparently even threw up in the group.
“Yeah, he just nudged me in my Adam’s apple,” Filipowski told reporters after the game. “I couldn’t breathe for a minute, but I just needed to throw up and I was good.”
“He was full of vomiting and he wasn’t going to be out for a second,” added Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “He’s a great warrior, man.”
Duke’s Tyrese Proctor missed a 3-point go-ahead on ensuing possession and the Blue Devils turned the ball over with their final attempt after Virginia Tech split a pair of free throws.
Virginia Tech held on to win the game, 78-75, giving Duke its fourth road loss in five road tries. Three of the Blue Devils’ next five games are on the road, including two top-20 teams in Virginia and Miami.