The three ways Duke basketball must slow down Illinois
How Duke basketball tops Illinois: Keep the turnovers to a minimum
It’s no secret that Duke has been plagued by turnovers through its first three games. If the Blue Devils are careless with the basketball against the Illini, their chances of winning may be very slim.
Illinois thrives off of turnovers, and Duke must limit those easy points that the Illini typically rely on. In their first two games, in which they won by a combined margin of 121 points, they forced their opponents into a combined 30 turnovers. In their last two games, in which they beat Ohio by two and lost to Baylor by 13, they forced just 14 combined turnovers.
Simply put, Illinois has aggressive, athletic guards who love to make plays out in transition.
Mike Krzyzewski’s team likes to push the tempo and play fast, but so does Illinois. The Illini will likely look to pressure the Blue Devil guards and force them to cough the ball up. Duke may be better off trying to slow the game down.
Neither team has been great in terms of halfcourt offense this year. But if the Blue Devils can limit their turnovers and increase their offensive possessions, then they have a good chance to win.
light. Related Story. Coach K is playing mind games with Jalen Johnson
Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball news and views.