Duke basketball: Five keys to victory in massive matchup against Illinois

Duke basketball Key to Victory No. 2 – Mark Williams has the opportunity for a breakout game

A seldom-played five-star freshman through two games, Mark Williams finally saw consistent playing time in Duke’s win over Bellarmine.

Krzyzewski inserted Williams into the starting lineup on Friday night, and he produced with five points, seven rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in 15 minutes.

However, there is a major difference between a forward on Bellarmine and Illinois star center Kofi Cockburn.

Cockburn, a 7-foot, 285-pound beast, will be sure to cause migraines in the paint for the Blue Devils, and it cannot be Williams alone who has to match up with the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

The Kingston, Jamaica native averaged 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season and is posting 13.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest as a sophomore.

As Krzyzewski explained that his team was never in a Michigan State-esque game before, Williams still has not been in a game like that, only playing four minutes against the Spartans.

Expect Mark Williams, Matthew Hurt, and Jalen Johnson all to get a chance of defending Kofi Cockburn on Tuesday night, while Patrick Tape and Henry Coleman also might be called upon to give some minutes against the paint monster.