Two historical programs face off in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge with Duke and Indiana. What are the biggest storylines heading into this game?
Heading into the Maui Invitational, the conversation around Duke was simply crazy. After dismantling Kentucky in the Champions Classic, analysts were asking not only will the Blue Devils go unbeaten throughout the 2018-19 season but also whether or not they could beat an NBA team.
Those words continued after they defeated San Diego State and Auburn but were shocked by the Gonzaga Bulldogs by going down as much as 16 points. Duke eventually came back to tie the game but fell to the No. 3 team in the country 89-87. It was the first loss for the now 5-1 Blue Devils, as they look to pick up the pieces and start a new winning streak.
Their first opponent after the Maui Invitational is Indiana (5-1) who are continuing their ascent up the Big Ten ladder in Archie Miller’s second season as head coach. The highlight for the Hoosiers season thus far was a 96-73 win over No. 24 Marquette, with the sole loss coming at Arkansas.
Like Duke, Indiana also is led by a star freshman, along with key contributors from a highly publicized recruiting class. They might not be at the level of Michigan or Michigan State but the program looks to compete for an NCAA Tournament appearance.
This is a rematch of last year’s ACC/Big Ten Challenge battle, with Duke winning 91-81. Marvin Bagley III led all scorers with 23 points, with Grayson Allen scoring 21. Robert Johnson led the Hoosiers with 17 while De’Ron Davis chipped in with 16 points.
There are many new faces in this season’s battle. So what are the new storylines between these programs coming into the game?