Duke basketball: 4 studs, 3 duds as Blue Devils highlight flaws

It was a tale of two halves for the Duke basketball team against Lafayette. 

Flaws were highlighted in the first half of the Duke basketball victory over Lafayette on Friday night as the Blue Devils got off to yet another sluggish start.

Duke’s slow start was due in part to bad shooting turning into lackadaisical defense as Lafayette went into halftime trailing by only eight points.

The opening halves of games have become problematic for the Blue Devils despite their perfect record as Duke also had a poor beginning against Gardner-Webb before opening things up for a comfortable victory.

Shooting has been the primary cause for the troubling beginnings for Duke as the Blue Devils have been feast or famine in their perimeter jumpers this season.

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However, Duke settled into the game and was able to run the Leopards out of Cameron Indoor Stadium, 88-55.

There will only be one more easy game at home for Duke before the schedule takes a massive leap in terms of quality of opponent.

After the Blue Devils host The Citadel on Monday night, Duke will hit the road for a two-game trip against No. 1 Gonzaga on Friday night in Las Vegas and a visit to Columbus, Ohio to play the No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes the following Tuesday in the ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge.

Duke basketball hoping to see consistency from key players

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski has seen his best players always put forth excellent performances so far this season, namely Paolo Banchero, Trevor Keels, and Wendell Moore.

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However, Krzyzewski is hoping that his other key players, such as Mark Williams, AJ Griffin, and Jeremy Roach, can aid the stars on a consistent basis, something that has been lacking this season.

Duke will need others to consistently produce as the season continues on.