You’re Going to Get Everybody’s Best Shot: Duke Learns Valuable Lesson vs Army

Photo: Duke Basketball

Coming off a tough season-opening win against Kentucky Tuesday night, the Blue Devils faced a scrappy Army squad Friday at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Duke’s Veteran’s Day Showcase. The Knights would cut a 15-point 2nd half deficit to single digits, before a pair of Jeremy Roach threes would be the catalyst to the Devils pulling away for good. Duke ultimately defeated Army 82-56, but not before they learned a valuable lesson – they can’t take any halves off.

“This is a good night for us because we played against a team that played so hard and was so determined,” Coach K said after the win. “That’s how everyone is going to come. For these kids, it’s their second college game and first home game and there’s a lot to learn. Overall, we played really good defense. We forced 21 turnovers and gave up 56 points – that’s good. I did not think we were strong with the ball and that has to do with them [Army West Point] playing so hard. I think overall this was a good night for our team and a great learning experience.”

“You’re going to get everyone’s best shot,” freshman Paolo Banchero said. “Army’s a good team. They’re tough, they were making shots, playing physical. We went up 10-0 and they weren’t phased at all. That’s what Coach told us. We went up 10-0 and kind of got comfortable and, maybe expected them to fold and that wasn’t the case, so obviously we learned from that.”

Duke won’t have long to show they’ve learned their lesson. The Blue Devils turn right back around to take on Campbell Saturday night.

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