Duke sophomore O’Connell out with orbital bone fracture

Blue Devils were playing their first exhibition game as part of a tour of Canada

Duke forward R.J. Barrett (5) made his Blue Devils' debut in a preseason exhibition game Wednesday against Ryerson University at Paramount Fine Foods Centre. (Dan Hamilton / USA TODAY Sports)

Three minutes into Duke’s exhibition game in Toronto on Wednesday, Alex O’Connell went to the hospital after absorbing an elbow to the face on a dunk by a Ryerson University opponent.

Duke updated O’Connell’s status on Thursday morning in a press release.

“Sophomore guard Alex O’Connell suffered an orbital floor fracture during last night’s game. He will miss the remainder of the #DukeCanadaTour, but is expected to make a full and routine recovery.”

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O’Connell started the game, which aired on digital platforms including ESPN Plus and was the anticipated debut of freshmen Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett. Duke won, 86-67.

“It was a crazy experience, and I can’t even describe it,” Williamson said after the game. “Playing for someone like Coach K — it’s a dream come true.”

Williamson finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds and four assists in 33 minutes, while Barrett led all scorers with 34 points and added five rebounds in 35 minutes.