Vengeance is at the root of every rivalry, or so said my philosophy of sport teacher. This season's first matchup between N.C. State (9-2, 2-0 in the ACC) and Duke (12-1, 2-0) can be characterized by the Blue Devils' startling comeback in last year's ACC championship game. Trailing by 15 points midway through the second half, Duke went a torrid run fueled by J.J. Redick's 23 points in the final 10 minutes of the game. That was the precursor for tonight's matchup in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
"Herb's (Sendek) done an outstanding job there," Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "I just think they are one of the most sound teams in the country and we'll have a tough game against them Thursday."
After the Wolfpack and Blue Devils lost only one starter each to graduation, they were prepared to improve with veterans on the court. In jumping out to a 2-0 conference record, N.C. State has utilized three-point shooting and several different defensive schemes. Duke's man-to-man defense has always relied on weak-side help and rotations, one facet of the game that the Wolfpack could capitalize upon with their outside shooting.
"Our first priority is not to let them make passes," Duke captain Chris Duhon said. "A lot of their offense is run by them making passes to the high post and then guys cutting.... We just have to not let them make passes and make them be playmakers."
Duhon's defensive philosophy is one that counters N.C. State's offense, but the Wolfpack still hold an ace in their back pocket. Star forward Julius Hodge, who is averaging a league-leading 19 points and 7.4 boards a game, is versatile enough to play the perimeter and post-up a smaller defender. The Blue Devils' Daniel Ewing matches up equally in size and quickness with Hodge, which bodes well for Duke. Ewing's offensive output could prove to wear down Hodge on the defensive end and consequently attribute to late-game fatigue by the Wolfpack standout.
Duke cannot allow its interior to become worn out or foul-prone. Led by Shelden Williams and Shavlik Randolph, whose grandfather was an All-American at N.C. State, the Blue Devils' inside presence has made significant improvements this season. After bulking up in the offseason, Randolph can finally throw his weight around while grabbing six boards a game.
"They complement each other. But also they'll be playing separately, too, like [against Virginia last Sunday] because of foul trouble or match-ups," Krzyzewski said. "These two kids have done a really good job for us."
Duke's duo in the paint will be matched by the athletic tandem of Marcus Melvin and Levi Watkins for the Wolfpack. Combining for 24 points a game, Melvin and Watkins could be N.C. State's point of attack on offense. If the Blue Devils double-down or pick up fouls, then the Wolfpack's perimeter play will be able to open up.
For Duke's consistent backcourt, the key will be distributing the ball to Redick and Ewing in a place where they can score. The Wolfpack will have their hands full attempting to contain the Blue Devils' outside shooting attack, and will need some uncharacteristic missed shots in order pull out a victory in Cameron.
"We try to not only attack them on offense but also on defense," Randolph said. "We try to force them into turnovers and play with an intensity level that will enable us to do that."
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