A pair of blue bloods in the world of college basketball clash in the Hoosier State when the ACC tangles with the Big 12 on the hardwood. The #7 Duke Blue Devils take on the #5 Kansas Jayhawks in the Champions Classic in Indianapolis Tuesday night. Duke comes in off an 84-38 demolition of USC Upstate at home in their previous contest Friday night, covering the 29.5-point line in the process. Kansas cruised to an 82-59 victory at home over North Dakota State Thursday night in their previous contest though they narrowly failed to cover the 24.5-point line in the game. In the all-time series between the programs, the Blue Devils own an 8-5 advantage, including a 68-66 win at Madison Square Garden on November 5, 2019 in the most recent meeting.
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Duke has started the post-Mike Krzyzewski era on a positive note as they’ve rolled past Jacksonville and USC Upstate at Cameron Indoor by a combined 73 points. Now, the Blue Devils face a stiffer level of competition in this one as they leave the confines of home to face a top-five program on a neutral floor. Against USC Upstate, Duke was stunned early, giving up the opening seven points of the game before regrouping. The Blue Devils outscored the Spartans 43-11 the rest of the half to lead by 25 at intermission. Duke opened the second half with a 16-0 run and led by as many as 47 en route to the win. The Blue Devils shot 44.1% from the field, including seven of 21 from beyond the arc, dominated the glass 52-27, forced 23 USC Upstate turnovers and held the Spartans to 27.8% shooting in the game. Kyle Filipowski led the way for Duke with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
The Blue Devils en ter this contest 150th in the nation in scoring offense with 77.5 points per game this season. Duke is 7th in rebounding with 48 boards a night and stand 59th in assists with 17.5 assists per game. The Blue Devils are 1st in the country in scoring defense by allowing 41 points per game. Mark Mitchell leads the team in scoring in the early going as he puts up 15.5 points a game. Jeremy Roach (13 points, six assists), Kyle Filipowski (12.5 points, 11 rebounds) and Ryan Young (11.5 points, 7.5 boards) each average in double figures this season. Jacob Grandison, Jaylen Blakes, Dereck Lively II, Jaden Schutt, Tyrese Proctor, Kale Catchings, Christian Reeves and Max Johns all are important role players for coach Jon Scheyer this season. Duke is shooting 44.9% from the field as a team this season. The Blue Devils are knocking down 8.5 triples a night despite shooting 34% from beyond the arc on the year. Duke is sputtering at the free throw line, cashing in just 64.9% of their attempts on the year.