ACC Morning Linkfest 11/20 - SCACCHoops.com

ACC Morning Linkfest 11/20

by WebMaster

Posted: 11/20/2013 6:33:46 AM


Virginia and Duke both managed to win on Tuesday night.  While Virginia cruised past Navy 67-42, it looked like the Blue Devils were going to do the same.  Duke led by eleven points at half, but ECU would go on a run and had the ball down 64-63 with a chance to take the lead.  The Blue Devils, and specifically Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood, made enough plays down the stretch to lead Duke to a 83-74 win.  Of course, it raises some questions about the ACC media's preseason champion.

The defense has been a problem.  It was the 3rd game out of five this season that Duke has allowed their opponents an offensive efficiency greater than 100.  The question has to be asked, can Duke play their high pressure man-to-man with this season's rules changes and focus on hand-checking? 

While fouls are being called closer, it may be the new charge rules that affect Duke more.  Why is that more important for Duke you ask?  Duke pressures the ball and attempts to disrupt passing lanes and stop 3 point shots.  They do expect to get beat off the dribble at times.  They rely on help defense to step up and recover as needed.  Their goal is to force teams out of halfcourt set offenses and into taking as many mid-range 2 point shots as possible. 

The problem is defending the rim and forcing the ball-handler to pull up for a shot.  Gone are Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly, two guys that averaged over a block and a half last season.  Throw in the fact that defenders now have to be set when the offensive player goes into his upward motion, and it makes the charge around the basket almost impossible to draw anymore.  Without a shot blocker or the charge, Duke is essentially unable to defend the rim.

It's a problem for Duke and the numbers show it.  Duke's defense is the 3rd worst in the ACC in terms of defensive efficiency.  It will be interesting to see how Duke adjusts.

NC State, Georgia Tech, and Pitt are all in action.  Dayton is the best opponent of the three and the Yellow Jackets should have a good game ahead of them.

Check out the links, previews, and more below..

Highlights

 Team Conf Pct Overall Pct
 Syracuse  0-0  1.000  4-0  1.000
 Wake Forest  0-0  1.000  4-0  1.000
 Clemson  0-0  1.000  3-0  1.000
 FSU  0-0  1.000  3-0  1.000
 Georgia Tech  0-0  1.000  3-0  1.000
 Pittsburgh  0-0  1.000  3-0  1.000
 Duke  0-0  1.000  4-1  0.800
 Miami  0-0  1.000  3-1  0.750
 Virginia  0-0  1.000  3-1  0.750
 Virginia Tech  0-0  1.000  3-1  0.750
 UNC  0-0  1.000  2-1  0.667
 Notre Dame  0-0  1.000  2-1  0.667
 NC State  0-0  1.000  2-1  0.667
 Maryland  0-0  1.000  1-2  0.333
 Boston College  0-0  1.000  1-3  0.250

 Injury Report 
Patrick Rooks (CL)
injured hip, out for season
Chris Bolden (GT)
suspended first 3 games for summer DUI
Jason Morris (GT)
stress fracture in foot, back in late Nov
Seth Allen (MD)
10/30 - broken foot, out 8-10 weeks
Deandre Burnett (MI)
injured wrist, out for season
Jordan Vandenberg (ST)
11/2 - injured ankle, out 4-6 weeks

Links

Yesterday's Games

Matchup  
 East Carolina 74 @ Duke 83  Box
 Navy 42 @ Virginia 67  Box

Today's Games

Time Matchup TV  
 7:00:00 PM  Dayton @ Georgia Tech  ESPN3  Preview
 7:00:00 PM  North Carolina Central @ NC State  RSN  Preview
 7:30:00 PM  Lehigh @ Pittsburgh  ESPNU  Preview

 


Categories: Duke, Georgia Tech, Virginia

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