Duke Gets Hot Early, Downs Wake Forest

The Duke University Blue Devils laid waste to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in a lopsided 84-60 contest. Duke has now won two straight games in a convincing fashion. 

 

The Blue Devils entered the game with questions surrounding their star freshman Jalen Johnson’s abrupt departure. Johnson was battling a foot injury all season and has decided to look ahead to the 2021 NBA draft. This decision led to many doubts about Duke’s ability to overcome this new adversity and not become distracted by the turmoil. 

 

Duke has won their last two games by an average of 20 points. Their defense has been stifling, holding each of their last two opponents to 60 points or less. The defensive intensity was tangible against Wake Forest. Duke held the Demon Deacons to 9-of-25 shooting in the first half. Duke forced nine turnovers and scored 13 points on these opportunities. 

 

Duke traded baskets early, locking the score up at 8-8 before beginning to pull away midway through the first half. The Blue Devils went on a 21-5 scoring run over the next eight minutes. 

 

Matthew Hurt continued to light it up from the field. The sophomore forward finished with 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists on 8-of-9 shooting.  Over the last two games, Hurt has only missed three shots. 

 

Duke never looked back after opening up a 16 point lead early, coasting to a wire-to-wire victory. 

 

The Blue Devils offense was fluid, generating 17 assists against only six turnovers. Their team-oriented style of offense has paid dividends over the last two games and the Blue Devils look to be hitting their stride at the perfect time. The ACC Tournament is looming large and Duke looks poised to make some noise there. 

 

The Duke University Blue Devils (9-8, 7-6 ACC) return to action Saturday against Virginia (15-4, 11-2 ACC) at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC.