By: Ben McCormick
December 9, 2022
The No. 15 Duke Blue Devils (9-2, 1-0) will face the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (3-6) on Saturday Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Duke is fresh off a big win over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Wednesday night. It was perhaps Duke's best and most convincing win over a quality opponent thus far this season. The Blue Devils were able to zero-in on the keys to winning the game, i.e., stopping Kris Murray and keeping the Hawkeyes off the three-point line. For just the third time following their first game, Murray did not lead the Hawkeyes in scoring. Those three games have resulted in two losses and one close game with Clemson. Iowa continued to be a great resume builder for Duke as they went on to defeat No. 20 Iowa State by nearly 20 points...without Murray!
Coming off the high of a big win can be challenging, even against an opponent ranked just 318th nationally according to KenPom. At just 3-6 on the season, Maryland Eastern Shore has losses to Old Dominion, Charlotte (by over 30), George Washington. No. 3 Virginia, Liberty, and most recently George Mason. Its wins came against Bryn Athyn, Marist, and Lehigh. The highest ranked of the two division I wins they have is Marist---299th.
The tallest player on the Hawks' roster is 6'8', and they only have two double-figure scorers, who are both guards. Kevon Voyles and Zion Styles both average just over 11 PPG for the Hawks, but their offensive prowess will not be much of a help to the Hawks against the daunting size of the Blue Devils down low.
This could prove to be a big game for Dereck Lively II if he gets looks, and stays aggressive and out of foul trouble. Kyle Filipowski will look to maintain his early season dominance against a smaller opponent, and Mark Mitchell will look to continue his hot streak fresh off of two big scoring nights against Boston College and Iowa (16 PPG over Duke's last two games).
Saturday's matchup could be a big opportunity for Dariq Whitehead to have a confidence boosting performance before the Blue Devils dive head first into conference play. The game will also be Duke's last until Dec. 20 when the travel to Wake Forest. With exam season upon us, there will be just two more Duke games this calendar year (the other being New Year's Eve vs. Florida State at home).
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