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Duke’s Williamson to play vs. Syracuse

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Duke freshman star Zion Williamson will play in the Blue Devils’ quarterfinal matchup with Syracuse in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament.

The fifth-ranked Blue Devils announced Williamson’s status Thursday morning after he had missed nearly six full games with a knee sprain.

The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Williamson was hurt in the opening minute of last month’s loss to North Carolina. The Blue Devils had been 3-3 with Williamson out.

Williamson – The Associated Press’ player and newcomer of the year in the ACC – is averaging 21.6 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski had been publicly optimistic Williamson would return for the ACC Tournament. He said Williamson performed well in non-contact practice work last week and his status would depend on how he responded to contact work this week.

More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://www.twitter.com/AP-Top25