The 21st ranked Duke Blue Devils will take the floor for the first time in three weeks Wednesday night, for a conference matchup with Boston College inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Tip off is set for 8:30 PM, with broadcasting held on the ACC Network
The Devils have had their last several contests cancelled due to virus tracings from opposing teams’ locker rooms. Coach K will not be present as he quarantines after a family member tested positive for Covid-19. Kyzyzewski announced he has tested negative and will continue to follow contract tracing protocols.
Former player and head associate Jon Scheyer will take over head coaching duties in the midst of Mike Krzyzewski’s absence.
What to watch out for?
The Devils last played a remarkable game from start to finish against Notre Dame on the road in South Bend. During the contest Duke dominated on both ends, specifically in the paint where sophomore forward Matthew Hurt filled the stat sheet leading all scorers with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. Duke had four players in double figures and this was without potential first-rounder Jalen Johnson, who is nursing a foot injury.
Jalen tweeted this afternoon “Coming soon,” which means he could be re-inserted into the lineup in the near future.
The Blue-Devils are still coming into their own, bonding on and off the court, and more importantly trying to compete at a high level after being written off by a lot of outlets due to losing back to back top 10 matchups at home versus Illinois and Michigan State.
Ignore the record
The Eagles come into the contest at 2-7, including 0-3 in conference play. Their last defeat was against Louisville, 76-64. Boston College is led by junior guard Wynston Tabbs, whose averaging 15 points a game, shooting 81% from the charity stripe, including 41 percent from deep.
Yes, the record is under performing, and this isn’t your classic early 2000’s Duke team. The Blue Devils can’t overlook the Eagles. They have to come out the gate, guns-blazing, 94 feet. The recipe tomorrow night is balance – something Duke displayed in their last contest versus the Fighting Irish. Ball movement, patience and establishing tempo were vital and will be again tomorrow night. Protect your home floor and make the early statement that Duke is ready to right the ship and compete for an ACC title.