Stock Up, Stock Down: Duke gets much needed rest after big time wins
Matthew Hurt
Matthew Hurt has scored over 20 points in a handful of games this season, but Monday night might have been his best game yet in Durham.
After a no-show on Saturday against North Carolina, Hurt came off the bench against Florida State and scored 12 points in 18 minutes in the victory.
Both of Hurt’s made field goals were 3-pointers as the Minnesota native was 2-of-4 from the floor and 2-of-3 from 3-point range but his most important points came at the free throw line where he was 6-for-6.
Four of those six free throws came in the final 12 seconds of the game in which Hurt put the game out of reach from Florida State as his offensive rebound with Duke leading by three in the closing seconds was the play of the game.
It’s been said before and it’ll be said again, if Matthew Hurt plays to his potential he can be the ultimate X-Factor for Duke and the Blue Devils’ offense takes on a new level in terms of depth and scoring output.
Hurt will try and continue his good play on Saturday afternoon against Notre Dame.
Jordan Goldwire
If anyone had Jordan Goldwire going 5-of-5 from the field and 3-of-3 from 3-point range with 13 points, please let me know the lottery numbers for next week.
Goldwire tied his career high in points which he set in Duke’s last home game against Pittsburgh after only scoring a combined two points in the Blue Devils’ three game road trip.
The only concern with the junior guard is that he had to leave the game early after suffering from cramping in the final two minutes.
While Jordan Goldwire is known for his defensive prowess, if he can provide a scoring punch for Duke the Blue Devils will kick its offensive game into another gear.
Vernon Carey Jr.
Vernon Carey Jr. did not play his best game on Monday night but the dominance of the Duke big man was on display once again.
Carey Jr. only played 19 minutes yet still had a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds on 3-of-5 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 from the free throw line.
The lack of big time minutes Vernon Carey Jr. gets is sometimes confusing but perhaps Coach K is saving his star to try and keep him fresh through early April.