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NCAA Basketball: 2018 ACC/Big Ten Challenge preview and predictions

By Austin Walther

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 23: Michigan Wolverines head Basketball Coach Jon Beilein watches the action during the first half of the game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Crisler Center on November 23, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Chattanooga Mocs 83-55. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 23: Michigan Wolverines head Basketball Coach Jon Beilein watches the action during the first half of the game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Crisler Center on November 23, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Chattanooga Mocs 83-55. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 14: RJ Barrett #5 and Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils react during the second half of their game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 14, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 14: RJ Barrett #5 and Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils react during the second half of their game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 14, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

ACC/Big Ten Challenge Game 8: Indiana @ No. 1 Duke

TV Schedule: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 9:30 p.m. ET ESPN

Arena: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC

Duke is no longer undefeated and the talks about beating the Cavs is done. Yes, they did dismantle Kentucky. Won a couple cupcakes and basically cruised to the Maui Championship. That’s where they met up with a very experienced Gonzaga team that had quieting Duke all over the minds. And that’s exactly what they did. So the Blue Devils must rebound against Indiana.

Indiana is obviously much improved from last season. They took care of a couple buy games and then beat a should be good Marquette team by 23. The Hoosiers did slip up on the road to Arkansas. That doesn’t seem to be phasing many people because Indiana was still receiving quite a few votes and the game against Duke is being hyped like none other.

The reason for that excitement is because Indiana has someone who can counter the freshmen of Duke. Romeo Langford has not disappointed. He’s over 18 points per game, almost six boards and two assists. Juwan Morgan hasn’t missed a beat with 17.5 points per game and almost nine rebounds.

The two questions coming into this season for Indiana was a true point guard play and a third scorer. Rob Phiniesee is averaging over 4.5 assists is nice and they’re hoping Justin Smith, a high recruit from last year can be that guy. He’s averaging over 10 points per game.

Duke has great basketball players. There’s no doubting that. The Blue Devils have three of the top-five recruits and four inside the top-15. Zion Williamson is a load who is averaging over 20 points and almost 10 boards per game. R.J. Barrett is the stat-stuffer with 22.8 points per game, 5.7 rebounds and four assists. Cam Reddish has 19 made three-pointers and Tre Jones is a true point guard. But they need consistent production after that.

The Blue Devils are going to be out for blood. They are mad because it was supposed to be an unbelievable season, but the perfect recorded ended before December. They’re still going to win a lot of games because the talent is impressive. The big-two will keep Indiana competitive. Both team can benefit from the win, but neither will lose much if they fall.

Prediction: Duke 83, Indiana 72