Duke Basketball: 3 keys for the Blue Devils to win versus Syracuse

2. Knock down open three-pointers

The second way to beat the Syracuse zone is to knock down open three-pointers. This is easier said than done though – especially for a Duke team that struggles to consistently knock it down from behind the arc. The Blue Devils are shooting 33.1% from the three-point line this year.

Reddish started off the season strong in their season opener versus Kentucky but has had his fair share of ups and downs since. Over the past six games, Reddish has struggled with confidence and been in an offensive slump. This changed on Saturday night when Reddish finished with 23 points and shot five of eight from behind the arc. The Blue Devils could really use his three-point shooting and new-found confidence versus Syracuse.

Another player who cans stretch the zone is Barrett. He is a scorer, who can get to his spot anywhere on the floor. Barrett is not just a driver but can score from all three dimensions on the offensive end. Barrett is coming off a hot game where he dropped 32 points and finished four of seven from the three-point line. With Williamson out of the game – Barrett was asked to carry the team in the second half and he proved he can handle it.

The last key player who can knock down the three-point shot is Jack White. He has been the Blue Devils most important role player this year and most consistent three-point shooter. White has shot 38.6% from behind the arc this season. He loves to sneak into the corners of the defense and knock down silky smooth threes.