By: Ben McCormick
January 14, 2023
Coming off a big come back win at home over Pittsburgh, the No. 24 Duke Blue Devils travel to Clemson Saturday night to take on the Clemson Tigers. Clemson is the only remaining undefeated team in ACC play and came up just two spots shy of this week's AP Poll. The Tigers boast wins over NC State, Pitt, and Virginia Tech, but none yet over any ranked opponents. Their last loss came Dec. 10 in an 18-point blowout to Loyola Chicago. Additionally, the Tigers lost early season games (in close contests) to South Carolina and Iowa. This is a team that is hot right now, but very beatable if Duke plays with the same passion it played with in the second half vs. Pitt.
Clemson ranks 12th nationally in three-point shooting and 21st nationally in two-point defense. The Tigers are led by All-ACC hopeful, 6'8' senior forward Hunter Tyson, who is averaging 16.2 PPG and 10.1 RPG. Guard Chase Hunter also averages 14.5 PPG and 4.5 APG. The Tigers' third highest scorer was their top player a season ago, forward P.J. Hall, who is averaging 12.4 PPG this season.
Duke will need to make three point shots and play confidently and tough inside to win the game. If the Blue Devils can limit three-point makes by Clemson, I like their chances.
Kyle Filipowski had the best performance by a Blue Devil so far this season with 28 points and 15 rebounds against Pitt. His reemergence to stardom and Dariq Whitehead's consistent improvement will prove to be the two biggest offensive factors for Duke going forward. The Blue Devils also saw a leap in confidence from freshman Tyrese Proctor and Dereck Lively II against Pitt, both made big shots and big plays down the stretch.
Still without Jeremy Roach due to injury, Duke will be reliant upon Proctor to set up its offense. The young guards poise will be crucial Saturday night for Duke.
@Duke_Wisdom
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