Duke Basketball: 3 takeaways from Blue Devils blowout win over Stetson
By Zach De Jong
The Duke Blue Devil’s dominated Stetson from start to finish, but there are still positive takeaways from Saturday night’s game.
The Blue Devils took on the one win Stetson Hatters Saturday, December 1 and it got out of hand early. The Devils were able to go on a 44-8 run early in the first half.
With the win Saturday night the Blue Devils are now (7-1) this season. Through eight games their adjusted offensive efficiency is ranked 3rd in the nation and their adjusted defensive efficiency is ranked 5th in the nation according to kenpom.
Although the Blue Devils cruised to an easy victory, there are still 3 key takeaways from the game.
R.J. Barrett can be extremely efficient.
R.J. Barrett received criticism from the media and from Blue Devil fans after their loss to Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational championship. Mike Krzyzewski and the rest if the Blue Devil team defended Barrett and did not agree with the criticism of Barrett playing “hero ball.”
In Saturday night’s game versus Stetson he was able to prove to critics he can be extremely efficient on the floor. Barrett finished the 113-49 blowout with 26 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals in only seventeen minutes.
Barrett has gained the reputation of being a “volume shooter,” but he did not need a lot of shots versus Stetson. He shot an incredible twelve of fourteen from the field and two for three from the three-point line.
Look for Barrett to continue these efficient outings throughout the rest of the season.