Duke Dominates Dartmouth in Season-Opener

Durham, NC – After a 109-64 victory in their sole preseason exhibition game, the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils kicked off their 119th season of men’s basketball by hosting Dartmouth at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 6th, resulting in a score of 92-54 in The Blue Devils favor. Duke is riding the momentum of an undefeated home season, returning 60.4 points per game, the most since the 2008-09 season, and featuring four players with 30+ starts for the first time since 2000-01. 

The Blue Devils has been picked to finish first in the ACC this season in the preseason predictions by media members. Kyle Filipowski, a Preseason AP All-American and ACC Preseason Player of the Year, leads the team’s charge. This game against Dartmouth marked their first-ever meeting, with Duke looking to maintain their strong historical record against Ivy League schools.

The game kicked off with a bang as Jared McCain took center stage, rapidly scoring 6 points within the opening two minutes. His impressive display included a three-pointer that set the tone for Duke. Kyle Filipowski quickly followed suit, sinking two crucial threes within just three minutes and 4:27 on the clock. The initial half was action packed, featuring back-to-back “and-one” plays and a phenomenal offensive showcase by Jaylen Blakes. Blakes not only created opportunities for his teammates but also demonstrated his scoring abilities by fearlessly driving to the basket even in the face of contact. 

As the half unfolded, Duke orchestrated a 17-2 run, showcasing their dominance on the court. Although Dartmouth kept pace with Duke for much of the half, it was Duke’s defense that shone through. Employing a zone defense strategy, Duke initially struggled to protect the paint but quickly adapted, ensuring they weren’t overly reliant on jump shots.

The second half continued in Duke’s favor, with Dartmouth looking increasingly overwhelmed by Duke’s 20-point lead. Kyle Filipowski continued to make a significant impact, punctuating the early minutes with big dunks. Duke’s ball movement and offensive execution improved as the game progressed, leaving the opposition with no answers.

The Proctor-Roach-Foster-Stewart lineup emerged as a formidable force, displaying unselfish ball movement and chemistry on the court. Jared McCain, while showing promise as a freshman, ran into foul trouble, concluding the game with five fouls. His development at the college level is eagerly anticipated, given his undeniable potential. Caleb Foster’s drives were nothing short of effortless, adding to Duke’s offensive firepower.

Jaylen Blakes and Tyrese Proctor took the lead as the team players during this game, consistently creating high-quality scoring opportunities for their teammates. Tyrese Proctor’s contribution included an impressive roundup of five assists. Kyle Filipowski’s remarkable 25-point performance, shooting an impressive 10-12 from the field, freshman Caleb Foster adding in 15 points, and Jeremy Roach’s 14 points, hitting 7-11 from the field, were instrumental in Duke’s dominance.

In the post-game press conference, Coach Jon Scheyer underlined the significance of facing different defenses for his team’s development. He celebrated the achievement of holding Dartmouth to fewer three-point attempts than their average, emphasizing the growth of their defensive principles. 

In conclusion, Duke’s basketball win over Dartmouth was a masterclass in teamwork, offensive plays, and adaptability on the defensive end. With players like Kyle Filipowski, Jaylen Blakes, and Jeremy Roach leading the charge, the Blue Devils look for a promising season under Coach Jon Scheyer’s guidance. Look out for Duke’s next battle against Arizona on November 10th, back at the Cameron Indoor Stadium. 

Photos: Lawrence Davis III