Duke rolls in final non-conference game
Duke completed its non-conference schedule with a decisive 87-56 win over Elon.
DURHAM, N.C. — Duke completed its non-conference schedule Saturday with a 87-56 win over Elon.
The visitors, who served as the Blue Devils second replacement for original opponent Cleveland State, and then Loyola Maryland, agreed to the game just 24 hours prior to tip-off. Elon head coach Mike Schrage, a former Duke staff member, agreed to bring his squad into Cameron Indoor Stadium in spite of the enormous challenge the game presented.
“Thank God that we had a game,” head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “So many people were here from all over the country. It was great of Elon making that possible. And I want to thank their athletic director, Dave Blank, (head coach) Mike Schrage for doing it.
“I thought it was a good game for both of us - to do it on the spur of the moment like that, and also would like to thank Shaw. I know they were going to have a game. A lot of things had to happen for this game to occur. We really appreciate it.”
While Schrage and his squad were likely excited for the opportunity presented to them, their enthusiasm was swept away soon after the tip.
The Blue Devils asserted themselves from the start, jumping out to a quick 11-4 lead, forcing the Phoenix to call a time out just three and a half minutes into the game.
The time out brought a brief positive response from Elon, but it did not take long for Duke to regain complete control of the game. Fewer than three minutes after the time out, Duke stretched its lead to double digits and never looked back.
Leading into today’s game, defensive rebounding had been a point of contention for the Blue Devils. Krzyzewski pointed to his team’s inability to keep opponents off the offensive glass as an issue that needed addressed before opening ACC play next week.
His message to the team was heard, as Duke allowed just five offensive rebounds and four second chance points.
Paolo Banchero was a major reason why the Blue Devils were able to keep Elon from extending possessions, as he pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.
Though Duke did win the rebounding total, the team still needs to do a lot of work in that area.
Krzyzewski and others acknowledged as much after the win over Elon.
“They’re not as tall. They haven’t been statistically a good rebounding team,” Krzyzewski said. “So we did rebound better, but we didn’t rebound better against an outstanding rebounding team. Wednesday, we’ll get a chance to try to do that.”
Even with Duke’s need to continue improving on the glass, their improved play on Saturday showed how it impacts them offensively.
The result of those boards helped Duke push the tempo. The Blue Devils were able to register __ fastbreak points, but more importantly get in their offensive sets quickly, keeping Elon on their heels.
By game’s end, Duke out-rebounded Elon 39-31, including 25 defensive boards. On the flip side, Duke posted 14 offensive rebounds, resulting in 14 second chance points.
In addition to Duke’s improved rebounding, their aggressive approach on offense made it next to impossible for Elon to get a handle on the Blue Devils.
Duke scored 46 points in the paint, simply dominating the lane. That said, the Blue Devils’ prowess wasn’t a result superior post play, though they did enjoy some success in that regard. Instead, it was about Duke’s ability to attack the rim.
Trevor Keels led the way, driving to the basket relentlessly all game long, particularly in the first half when he scored 15 of his game-high 19 points. All but three of his points came from inside the 3-point line.
Additionally, Duke co-captain Wendell Moore Jr. was a force in getting to the hoop as well. Like Keels, only three of his 12 points came from beyond the arc as well. He was in attack mode all game long, which not only resulted in his impressive points total, but also his continued success in distributing the basketball.
Moore again filled up the stat sheet, posting five assists and three rebounds.
“We really focused on getting paint touches in this game,” Keels noted. “Get in the lane and kick. We knew they were kind of a good defensive team on ball, so we tried to get in the paint, look for Mark and the re-spot get each other threes. When we started driving we had layups instead of getting threes, which was great.”
In addition to Keels and Moore, Banchero was able to make his presence felt on the offensive end, scoring 12 points, with four of those coming from the free throw line. As mentioned, he also posted nine rebounds, leaving him just shy of a double-double.
DEFENSE SET THE TONE
Duke brought an incredibly intense approach on the defensive end of the court, most notably in the first half, holding the Phoenix to just 38.5% from the field and 36.4% from long range. Though Elon picked up its effort in the second half, shooting 52%, the Blue Devils continued to put significant pressure on the Phoenix.
The Blue Devils handled Elon’s ball screen effortlessly, blowing up screens with physical play, working around ball screens and switching through them.
A.J. Griffin, Jeremy Roach, Moore, and Keels repeatedly forced Elon to speed up its offense, while also taking away passing and driving lanes.
Consequently, Duke forced 23 Elon turnovers, resulting in 31 points off miscues. Keels once again led the way with three steals, while eight other Blue Devils recorded at least one steal apiece. Theo John, Jaylen Blakes and Roach, who are included in those eight, finished with two each.
“That’s something we tack pride in — me, Jeremy and Wendell — to start the game off,” Keels said. “Just get after every guard. When you defend like that, not many teams want to run offense. Make them just do whatever.”