Duke and Boston College dive deep into conference play with a New Years Eve matchup.
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The Eagles are currently on a 4 game winning streak after dropping 4 straight previously. They are currently 8-5 and 2-0 in the ACC with wins at Notre Dame and home vs Wake Forest. The balanced Eagles have six players averaging 7.0+ points, led by Derryck Thornton’s 13.8 points per game and 3.6 assists. Thornton is a graduate transfer from USC, but began his college career at Duke in 2015-16 (7.1 ppg and 2.6 apg in 36 games for the Blue Devils). The leading rebounder for the Eagles is Steffon Mitchell at 8.9 per game, Mitchell also averages 3.2 assists. The Eagles are 22nd in steals in the nation and have clamped down defensively as of late and is allowing just 65.5 points per game -- 59.5 over its four-game winning streak.
Players to Watch
Sophomore Jairus Hamilton has been playing extremely well as of late, increasing his scoring and rebounding output. Last time out vs Cal, he poured in 18 points and 8 rebounds - leading the Eagles in both categories. He also shot 50% from beyond the arc from the forward position.
Duke
The Blue Devils are 11-1 so far this season and 1-0 in the ACC with their lone victory coming against Virginia Tech 77-63 back on December 6th. The Blue Devils are lead in scoring and rebounding by freshman big man Vernon Carey Jr. who averages 18.7 points and 9 rebounds per game. Tre Jones leads Duke in assists per game at 7.1 to go along with his 15.6 points per game. The Blue Devils much like the Eagles depend on their defense - the Blue Devils are 4th in the nation in blocks, 32nd in steals and 71st in rebounding this season.
My Synopsis
This game will be a battle of the point guard postion with sophomore Tre Jones taking on former Duke guard and 5th year senior Derryck Thornton. Neither team shoots the ball particularly well from the outside so whichever team wins that battle should be in the drivers seat. Duke should have the edge in paint points but only if they can keep Hamilton and Mitchell off of the offensive glass. Duke's secondary rebounders will have to box out effectively to counter the BC duo.
