Duke will look to extend its seven-game winning streak in Las Vegas this weekend for a matchup with UNLV Saturday at 5:15 p.m. The Runnin' Rebels have struggled to start the year and got blown out at Arizona State last Saturday to drop to 5-3. Here are three keys to success for the Blue Devils in Saturday's contest.
Get Grayson Going
Despite being named a preseason first-team All-American, Grayson Allen has struggled of late and could see a decrease in minutes to rest his injured toe soon if his play does not improve. The junior is shooting 35.7 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from beyond the arc, well below his 46.6 field-goal percentage from last season, when he also converted on more than 40 percent of his attempts from downtown. If Allen can get back on his game, Duke’s offense will begin to look even stronger as freshmen Jayson Tatum and Marques Bolden are integrated into the mix.
Move the ball
During Tatum’s breakout performance with 22 points Tuesday night against No. 21 Florida, the Blue Devils’ offensive potential was on full display. Everyone on the team is a threat to score, spreading opposing defenses out and allowing Duke to pass the ball and find the open man anywhere on the floor. Allen embraced this role against the Gators, when he racked up eight assists rather than taking contested shots. The Blue Devils must continue to share the ball and create opportunities for all of their weapons in order to win big games down the stretch.
Limit Second Opportunities
Duke has done a very good job grabbing defensive rebounds and limiting opponents to one shot attempt per possession this season. The Blue Devils outrebounded Florida 35-32 Tuesday, and should see an improvement on the glass as Tatum, Bolden and fellow freshman big man Harry Giles continue to get healthy. Tatum had eight defensive rebounds Tuesday, and his defensive presence was key for Duke in the 84-74 victory. Graduate student Amile Jefferson—who leads the team with 10.3 boards per game—will also need to continue to crash the glass against UNLV.
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Digital Strategy Director for Vol. 115, Michael was previously Sports Editor for Vol. 114 and Assistant Blue Zone Editor for Vol. 113. Michael is a senior majoring in Statistical Science and is interested in data analytics and using data to make insights.