Date: January, 19th
Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium
Time: 6 PM EST.
Background Information:
This game has Game of the Year written all over it between 2 powerhouse programs with NBA talent everywhere. With one coming off of a letdown loss at home and the other demolishing their top 10 rival at home by 20+, it should be an amazing game.
The first 5 minutes of the Duke-Syracuse game was going Duke’s way and had Cameron Indoor rocking. But on a scramble for the ball, things would change. PG Tre Jones would go for a loose ball on the ground and banged shoulders with Senior Guard Franklin Howard. Tre would end up with a AC Joint separation in his shoulder and would miss the rest of that ballgame. Even though Zion Williamson had the best game of his career with 36 points, RJ Barrett would have a very off shooting night and missed the ball handling guard that was Jones. Syracuse would upset Duke in Cameron Indoor with a 95-91 win in Overtime. Losing Jones will be huge as that takes the starting experience he’s gotten so far, as well as the ability to pass the ball very well.
For Virginia, they are coming off by far, the best win and performance on the season. They blew the doors off of Virginia at home 81-59. DeAndre Hunter and Ty Jerome had great games with Hunter getting 21 Points and Jerome collecting 14 Points and 12 Assists. Virginia was ridiculous from beyond the arc with a staggering 13-24 (54%) and shot 58% from the field. Their defense was dominant for the most par as Virginia Tech’s 43% from the field was from some late buckets to make the game closer than it really was. That night, UVA looked like the best team in all of College Basketball. Now they will have to prove it in the most hostile environment in the nation and one of the best teams in the nation (with or without Tre Jones).
Player to Watch from Duke:
There’s a couple of candidates, but whoever Duke decides to play the true point guard in this game is a huge factor. The offense would go how Tre goes as Duke shot 10% better from 3 with Jones on the floor and less turnovers with him on the floor. He impacts more than most people think.
That will more than likely be RJ Barrett as he is looking for a bounce back game after his performance on Monday. Barrett shot a deplorable 26% (8-30) from the field and 30% (4-13) from the field. He was an impact on the glass though as he had 16 in the contest and nearly finished with a triple double with 9 assists. He needs to shoot the ball well and also be the ballhandler that Duke needs. If RJ is able to both of that, Duke should win. Another guy that is more of a ballhandler is Sophomore Guard Alex O’Connell who averages 5.2 PPG so far, but had 16 off the bench in their previous contest.
Player to Watch from Virginia:
Like I mention, Virginia played lights out in their home game against rival Virginia Tech. But in an environment like Cameron Indoor and a better team in Duke, how will the Cavaliers play? I doubt they will play to the level like they did on Monday. But someone who could keep their hot streak is De’Andre Hunter.
Hunter has been the leading scorer on the year for UVA and backed it up with 21 points on 66-50-100 on 12 shots and 4 free throws. He also had 5 rebounds and dished a couple of assists. Jerome is more of the passing guard, but can heat up at some times from the field as well.
Keys to a win for Duke:
Put the Syracuse game in the rear view mirror. Duke was able to do some things well besides from the loss. Don’t shoot 9-43 is definitely one of them as Duke relied on the 3 way too much. Duke is one of the best rebounding teams (especially on the offensive end) in the conference as they had 48 rebounds (14 offensive) against Syracuse. Perimeter defense is huge as UVA is coming off one of their best shooting games of the season. They were alright against Syracuse, giving up 44% from 3, but UVA will be a better shooting team. Forcing bad shots will give the Duke offense more possessions and a better chance to win.
Keys to a win for Virginia:
The atmosphere will be electric and the environment will be hostile. Drain out the noise and try to play fundamental basketball. Virginia was able to get some scoring off of the bench, so bench scoring will be important. Limiting turnovers and shooting well from 3 point range are other important keys. UVA won’t be able to shoot 54% from 3 in this contest, so giving guys down low like Kyle Guy and Kihei Clark when he’s in the game will give them chances to take advantage of RJ guarding the perimeter and try to face Zion.
Final Verdict:
Losing Tre Jones is huge, but Duke is still very good and at home, is almost impossible to beat. This will be an instant classic with offense and players balling out on both sides. With Duke being more prepared and with a game plan, I feel like they will come out and play well. The trio of Hunter-Guy-Jerome is very good. But the trio of Zion-RJ-Cam is just better. Duke bounces back and (upsets?) Virginia. Duke 86, Virginia 82.
Image Credit: http://basketballsocietyonline.com/deandre-hunter-scouting-report
