Preview: Duke Gets Ready For ACC Opener with Boston College

The Duke Blue Devils (12-0) open their ACC schedule with a home game versus the Boston College Eagles (7-4) Saturday, Jan. 3 at 4 p.m.

This will be Duke’s first game of the new year and the team is looking to start 2015 the same way they ended 2014, and that is with a win. Duke is 12-0 and off to a great start thanks to the outstanding play of Jahlil Okafor. Okafor is the Blue Devil’s go-to-guy and has shown that he is an unstoppable force whenever he is on the court.

Dec 31, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Wofford Terriers guard Derrick Brooks (1) brings the ball up the court against Duke Blue Devils guard Rasheed Sulaimon (14) in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Through 12 games Okafor is averaging 18.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 blocks and .9 steals. He does it on both ends of the floor and stuffs the stat sheet game after game. Boston College will have to try to find a way to limit Okafor’s production in order to have a chance to win the game.

The Eagles have a big front line led by Dennis Clifford, 7-1 and 250 pounds. Clifford isn’t as talented or skilled as Okafor but the size is something to contend with and will be another test for Okafor and the Blue Devils.

What to Watch: The true test is going to be how Duke contains the explosive duo of Olivier Hanlan and Aaron Brown. Hanlan has been an elite player the second he stepped on campus. He is an elite scorer who is extremely tough to defend and knows how to run a team. Hanlan comes into the game averaging 15.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He can shoot from deep and has a knack for getting into the paint.

Brown is a graduate student who transferred from Southern Mississippi and has become the top scorer for the Eagles through 11 games. Brown wasn’t a standout at Southern Miss in his lone season with the program but he did make 30 starts out of the 36 games and averaged 9.9 points. This year he has emerged and it is greatly benefiting Boston College. This year he is averaging 16.1 points and 2.7 rebounds. The combination of Hanlan and Brown will pose a great challenge for Duke.

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Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook will be in for their biggest test up to this point. They will be in charge of slowing down Brown and Hanlan while also scoring for themselves. Jones does a little bit of everything on the court but can be a dynamic offensive player when the team needs him to be. Cook is the senior leader and has the ability to get 20 points on any given night. He knocks down the 3-point shot, gets to the rim and creates for his teammates.

This will be the best match-up of the game. Keep a close on the battle of the guards. If Duke can minimize Hanlan and Brown then they will win in a blowout but if they can’t then BC will make it interesting, but still lose.

Three Keys to the Game:

1. Limit Turnovers: Duke has been turning the ball over more than usual the past few games, mainly in the first half. Everyone knows turnovers lead to easy opportunities in transition and that you lose chances to score with turnovers. This is all true but turning the ball over also throws you out of rhythm and can become a mental mistake rather than something the defense is doing. Control the ball and control the game.

2. First Half: The past three games, versus Toledo, versus UConn and versus Wofford the Blue Devils have started off extremely slow and sluggish. One game they start slow on offense and the next game they start slow on defense. As the season progresses, if this recent trend continues, it will become an issue that will cost them games. Versus inferior opponents you can get away with a slow start. Boston College isn’t a great team but they can make you pay a slow start. Duke has to get off to a quick start and get back to Duke basketball.

Dec 31, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Amile Jefferson (21) and guard Tyus Jones (5) defend as Wofford Terriers guard Derrick Brooks (1) tries to pass the ball in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

3. Defense: Defense, defense, defense. The thorn in the side of the Duke Blue Devils for the past few seasons is becoming an issue. They started the season off very strong on defense but have been struggling as of late. The defense isn’t as sharp and guards are starting to attack off the dribble again. The Blue Devils must contain the dribble and play better team defense.

Coach K is seeking his 996 career victory. Duke is looking to win its 40th straight game in Cameron Indoor Stadium and are looking to start 13-0 for the eighth time under Coach K.

Prediction: Duke is finally back to playing a normal schedule and it will show. The defense will be better and the crowd will be into it. ACC play is here and Duke will start 1-0. The Blue Devils will win the game 83-60.

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