AJ Griffin's 22 points lift No. 9 Duke past Louisville

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AJ Griffin didn't hesitate as he twice got the ball in his hands in a tight, tense game.

The Duke guard just followed his instinct and hoisted away from deep, showing emotion both times his big shots fell for the No. 9 Blue Devils against Louisville.

Griffin tied a career high with 22 points, including consecutive 3-pointers during a late 12-0 run that helped Duke escape Louisville 74-65 on Saturday.

"I was really just not even thinking about it," Griffin said of making 3s just 56 seconds apart. "I was just letting it fly and having the confidence from my coaches and teammates. ... Just playing basketball."

Griffin also made a buzzer-beating 3 from about 30 feet before halftime.

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Duke forward A.J. Griffin (21) attempts to pass over Louisville forward Jae'Lyn Withers (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

The Blue Devils (17-3, 7-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) led 24-8 after 10 minutes before Louisville eventually rallied to forge several ties, the last at 60-all on El Ellis' long 3-pointer with 8:28 remaining. Wendell Moore Jr.'s two free throws put Duke back up 62-60 before Paolo Banchero and Mark Williams followed with timely blocks, the latter of which set up Griffin's critical 3 to make it 65-60.

The freshman guard then followed Williams' block of Mason Faulkner with another big 3 for an eight-point lead with 4:50 left. Banchero added a jumper and Williams a layup for the double-digit cushion that helped Duke earn its third consecutive victory and fifth in six contests.

Duke coach Mike