After last night’s performance, I think it’s safe to say that Duke has the best women’s basketball program in Durham. The Blue Devils defeated their neighboring rivals, N.C. Central, 117-28 in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Why did the Blue Devils have such a dominating performance? Some might say attribute this to a struggling N.C. Central team that has won one game this season.
However, you’ve got to give credit where credit is due. By no means did Duke take this game for granted. The Blue Devils played to perfection last night, easily putting forth their best effort of the season. Scoring 100 points while holding your opponents to less than 30 isn’t an easy task, even if your opponent is has been outscored by an average of 27.6 points throughout their season.
Defensively, Duke couldn’t have had a better night. They forced 10 turnovers during a 22-0 run to begin the game. Overall, Duke forced 45 turnovers, including 31 steals. They only allowed N.C. Central to hit 22 percent of its shots. More impressive, Duke’s perimeter defense prevented the Eagles from getting a single 3-point field goal.
Offensively, I think the 118 points speaks for itself.
This victory couldn't have come at a better time. Duke will need as much confidence as it can get as it inches closer to a very difficult January schedule. They begin ACC play, but, most importantly, they'll take on the undefeated reigning champions, No. 1 Connecticut in a top-10 showdown. If the same Duke team that played last night shows up next month, then I like their chances.
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