Duke vs. Texas Tech: 2018-19 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
By Zach De Jong
Duke Basketball looks to take on the undefeated Texas Tech Red Raiders on Thursday night in a prime time match-up in Madison Square Garden.
TV Schedule: Thursday, December 20, 7:00 PM ET, ESPN 2
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
The (10-1) Duke Blue Devils enter Thursday night’s prime time match-up with a chance to knock off the undefeated Texas Tech Red Raiders.
The Blue Devils are coming off a 101-50, victory over the Princeton Tigers on Tuesday night. The Tigers gave the Blue Devils all they could handle in the first half before getting blown out in the second half. This was the Blue Devils first game in ten days due to the players exam schedules.
R.J. Barrett is leading the Blue Devils in points this year, averaging 24.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Barrett’s partner in crime Zion Williamson has also had a great freshman season. He is averaging 20.1 points. 9.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Barrett and Williamson are the only freshman duo in the country averaging 20 or more points a game this year.
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Playing in Madison Square Garden is nothing new for the Blue Devils. The Blue Devils will participate in their 53rd game in Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. They are currently 34-18 all-time in their 52 games played in the historical arena.
Meanwhile, the Red Raiders are (10-0) and one of the last undefeated teams in the country. The Red Raiders have already beat programs like USC, Nebraska, and Memphis.
The Red Raiders last games was on Saturday, December 15 in a blowout win over Abilene Christian. The Red Raiders outmatched their opponent winning 82-48.
Sophomore guard Jarrett Culver has led the Red Raiders in their main three stats, averaging 19.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Matt Mooney is the second leading scorer on the team, averaging 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Mooney transferred to the Red Raiders for his senior season after playing two years for South Dakota.
According to KenPom the Red Raiders have the most efficient defense in the country. This will be an important key for the Red Raiders as they try to stop the star-studded Blue Devil team. In order to get the victory the Red Raiders will also need to control the tempo. The Blue Devils have struggled running a half court offense when opposing teams slow down the tempo.
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I believe that the Blue Devils will get the win over the Red Raiders, and add another victory to their record in Madison Square Garden.