Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Gillis (18) reacts after hitting a three-pointer Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Former Boilers: Duke Fans Shower Mason Gillis With Love After Wake Forest Game

Originally posted on Purdue Boilermakers on SI
By Dustin Schutte | Last updated Jan 26, 2025 9:42 AM ET

Mason Gillis may not have been the best player on the basketball court in No. 2 Duke's 63-56 win over Wake Forest on Saturday, but he might have been the favorite among Blue Devils fans. The former Purdue star had a big night and hit a clutch 3-pointer late in the game to help his team earn the victory.

Gillis finished Saturday's game with 11 points and six rebounds on Saturday afternoon. He also hit a huge shot late in the contest. With under a minute to play and Duke leading 56-52, Gillis buried a corner triple to increase the Blue Devils' lead and essentially put the Demon Deacons to bed.

@GillisMason pic.twitter.com/b2DoJdy4JO
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) January 25, 2025

His 3-point shot drew plenty of excitement from Duke fans on social media. It was one of the biggest plays of the game against Wake Forest.

Mason Gillis dagger!!!
— College Sports Superfan (@eisner_ryan) January 25, 2025

After a stellar performance, Duke fans had plenty of praise for the senior after the game.

Today was exactly why you bring in Mason Gillis #HereComesDuke
— Justin (@JFHornets25) January 26, 2025

There were plenty of appreciation posts for Gillis, who provided a great spark off the bench for the Blue Devils. He was also efficient, making four-of-seven shots from the floor.

Players of the Game: Mason Gillis & Pat Ngongba

Those guys epitomize what playing your role for Duke Basketball is supposed to be
— 1/2 Man, 1/2 Amazin' (@_JoshAlston) January 25, 2025

It wasn't just the way Gillis filled up the stat sheet on Saturday, but his leadership and experience also paid off for Duke late in the game.

Mason Gillis is the lynchpin in the final minutes of this game. The leadership and the timely offense. I feel like he's getting really comfortable.
— Chris Cornett (@ccornett3072) January 25, 2025

Gillis has now hit double-digit scoring totals in two of the last three games. In an 89-54 victory over Miami, the senior scored 12 points while shooting 66.7% from the floor.

Mason Gillis has been so clutch for Duke today. Very happy he’s on our team.
— Lisa Kadlec (@lisakadlec) January 25, 2025

This season, Gillis is averaging 5.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 47.2% from the floor. He was a key member of Purdue's 2023-24 team, which reached the National Championship Game.

Gillis is hoping to return to the Final Four again this season.

This article first appeared on Purdue Boilermakers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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