By: Ben McCormick
January 11, 2023
The 24th-ranked Duke Blue Devils had a rough week to say the least last week. They fell by 24 points to NC State in Raleigh and then traveled to Chestnut Hill, Mass., where they lost a 14-point lead to Boston College, but still managed to win by 1-point. Duke was without its starting point guard and team captain Jeremy Roach against the Eagles due to an ongoing toe injury. Head Coach Jon Scheyer says he doubts Roach will play Wednesday Jan. 11 either as Duke hosts Pittsburgh.
The Panthers are coached by former Blue Devil player and head associate coach Jeff Capel, who has them on a tear. Pitt claimed wins over UNC and No. 13 Virginia in back-to-back games en route to a 4-0 start in ACC play before losing its first conference game to Clemson last week (the Tigers are Duke's matchup after Pitt and are undefeated in ACC play).
After starting the season 1-3 with losses to West Virginia, VCU and Michigan, Pitt has been 10-2 since. The Panthers look like a whole new team. Led in scoring and rebounding by Blake Hinson (16.8 PPG and 6.9 RPG), the Panthers will prove difficult to defend. Jamarius Burton is back for Pitt and averaging a strong 16.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 4 APG. The size of these veterans may be troublesome for Duke.
The Blue Devils must hit shots and keep the ball moving on the offensive end to stay in the game. If Duke experiences large scoring droughts like it has against Boston College, NC State, or Wake Forest, I do not like its chances.
@Duke_Wisdom
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