Duke Basketball: 4 Toughest January Games Without Coach K

By Michael Collins | Jan 4, 2017

Jan 6, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski looks on in the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake Forest 91-75. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan. 21 vs Miami

Why It’s Tough:

Top 10 Miami defense
Jim Larrañaga
Trap game

While Miami isn’t a ranked team (yet), they definitely could be a challenge for the Blue Devils. The 13-3 Hurricanes are giving up a miniscule 58.9 points per game and love to feast on upsets under Jim Larrañaga.

The biggest concern for the Blue Devils will be a possible let down after facing Louisville just a week prior to this game. Win or lose, Duke will have expended a lot of energy taking on the Cardinals and my come in lagging against the Canes.

This could also prove to be a challenging game for Grayson Allen, who could be unwilling to be quite as physical against a Miami defense who loves to challenge shooters and rebounders. Allen will have to be careful not to foul out early or do anything to jeopardize any further playing time.

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