It is halftime in the ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge as the Duke Basketball team hosts the Indiana Hoosiers.
Well, it was a rough start for those watching at home as the Duke vs. Indiana tipoff wasn’t late enough at 9:30 pm ET, the Michigan State vs. Louisville game went into overtime, delaying the tip until 9:40 pm ET, but that didn’t matter.
But the Blue Devils got off to a hot start behind Zion Williamson six points in the first four minutes of the game.
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Duke once again struggled from the free throw line, making only one of their first six attempts, and finished the half, five of twelve from the charity stripe.
The defense for the Blue Devils was outstanding in the first half as they forced 13 turnovers, while only committing four turnovers.
The Hoosiers were in foul trouble to start this game with Juwan Morgan and De’Ron Davis both having two fouls, but the Indiana star Romeo Langford led the way with eight points.
Williamson continued his impressive start throughout the first twenty minuets as he led the Blue Devils with 19 points to go along with four rebounds and one assist, block, and steal.
R.J. Barrett struggled getting his shots to fall early, but he still managed to add 15 points and eight rebounds, making six of his thirteen attempts.
Tre Jones and Jack White aren’t the flashiest players on this Blue Devil team, but they may be the most important.
Jones added eight points, five assists, and five rebounds, while White made two three pointers in the first half for his eight points and he grabbed three rebounds.
Leading 53 – 29 at halftime, the Blue Devils will have to keep up the defensive intensity and just to slow the pace on the offensive end to create better looks at the basket. Duke also has to hit their free throws on a consistent basis.
Stay tuned to Ball Durham at our Twitter, @Ball_Durham, and here at our website, balldurham.com, for complete coverage of the Duke Blue Devils vs. the Indiana Hoosiers.