Duke Basketball: Breaking down Blue Devils’ non-conference schedule

Down the Stretch

Duke’s final four games on its non-conference schedule shouldn’t be any issue. A pair of home games against South Dakota (December 2) and Saint Francis (December 5) should be cakewalks for the Blue Devils.

Duke returns back to action after a two-week hiatus to host Evansville on December 20. Despite a promising 25-9 finish two seasons ago, the Purple Aces have since fallen off the map and struggled greatly in the Missouri Valley. Grayson Allen and Co. will bring a victory handily.

The final non-conference contest on Duke’s schedule will be in Madison Square Garden against St. John’s on February 3. Albeit a rising program, St. John’s is not quite ready for a Duke just yet, but should ascend into relevance in the imminent future.

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Considering the easy ride the Blue Devils have ending their non-conference schedule, Duke should enter conference play with momentum. A 10-3 record or better should be expected of Duke, with potential losses coming to Michigan State and perhaps a pair of losses in the PK80 Invitational or an upset loss at Indiana.