DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke guard Nolan Smith left the fifth-ranked Blue Devils’ Atlantic Coast Conference quarterfinal game against Maryland early with what appeared to be a toe injury on his left foot.
The ACC player of the year was hurt with 6:48 remaining in what appeared to be a non-contact injury. He planted in the lane and tried to jump but lifted his left leg off the ground and fell to the floor.
He limped off the court, and team medical staff removed his left shoe and could be seen evaluating and testing his foot. Smith put his shoe back on and walked off the bench and into the tunnel with 5:21 left in the game.
He returned to the bench a few seconds later to a standing ovation from the Duke fans.
Smith averages an ACC-best 21.6 points for the Blue Devils.
