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

Duke basketball Key to Victory No. 5 – Wendell Moore has to show up

It is difficult to envision a Duke victory without positive production from Wendell Moore.

After a nice sophomore debut, Moore has been horrific on the offensive end of the ball, although bouncing back nicely against Bellarmine from a rare bad game defensively against Michigan State.

In his last two games, Moore is a combined 1-for-16 from the field and 0-for-7 from 3-point territory.

It goes without saying, but the North Carolina native, who is usually tremendous at slashing and getting to the bucket, opens up the defense when he’s getting into the paint and distributing the basketball from there.

Opposing defenses are leaving Moore open on the perimeter, and he’s settling for 3-point jumpers that he’s not hitting.

It’s no coincidence that Wendell Moore is being left open, something he has to realize, and he must find a way to get to the basket under control.

However, even if the offense is not there for Moore on Tuesday night, his defense must be at its best because there’s a good chance that the sophomore will be matched up against Ayo Dosunmu at some point in the game.

Wendell Moore has to reintroduce himself as a Blue Devil in order for Duke to defeat Illinois.