Duke Bounces Back With Miami Blowout Win

DURHAM, N.C. – After two consecutive losses by less than 10 points for the Duke Blue Devils, they left nothing to chance against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes Tuesday night, Jan. 21.

Duke stormed out to a 24-6 to start the game that wiped away the Hurricanes’ spirit. Miami never drifted back into the flow of the game, and the Duke defeated them 89-59. 

“We just concentrated more,” said Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. “In our six (ACC) wins, we’ve given up less than 60 points, and in the two losses, we’ve given up 79. We talked to our team about that. For us to win, we have to play good defense. And if we’re playing that hard on defense, it translates to good offense, because now we’re pushing the ball. And starting the game, we had a lot of energy. 

Duke (16-3, 6-2 ACC) freshman forward Matthew Hurt shot 8-11, 4-7 3FG, from the floor and finished as the game’s leading scorer with 22 points. Duke sophomore guard Tre Jones and freshman center Veron Carey Jr. also scored in double-digits with 16 and 11 points.

“Last time we played them,” Jones said, “(Hurt) was doing the same thing. So, tonight, he came out and he was looking for his shot right away, which we need from him. He was ready to shoot with how much they help on the Vernon. So when he’s playing like that, he’s tough to guard.”

Duke had five players with a plus/minus above 20; Jones had a plus/minus of 32. The Blue Devils shot above 50 percent from the field, 53.1 percent, and above 40, percent from the 3-point line, 44 percent. However, the only negative from this game was their 15 turnovers.

What’s Next

Miami (10-8, 2-6 ACC) plays North Carolina (8-9, 1-5 ACC)in Chapel Hill Saturday, Jan. 25, at noon.

Former 7-year Duke associate head coach Jeff Capel returns to Cameron Indoor Stadium for the first time as an opposing head coach when the Blue Devils and Pittsburgh Panthers play next Tuesday, Jan 28, at 9 p.m.