ACC Basketball: 2018-19 storylines for Duke vs. Virginia rematch

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: Mamadi Diakite #25 of the Virginia Cavaliers defends a shot by Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 72-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 19: The Cameron Crazies taunt Ty Jerome #11 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 72-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3. Ty Jerome’s Back

Ty Jerome missed last Virginia’s victory over Miami last Saturday due to a sudden back injury. To date he has been the primary point guard and play maker for the Cavaliers averaging 13 points and 4.9 assists per game. He will be essential on the defensive end as well to keep up with the plethora of guards Duke can throw at teams.

It is still technically a possibility Jerome does not play in this game, but it really would be a shock. This was the first time he missed a game in his career since entering UVa. Without a game in the first half of this week, Jerome has had a week and a half to rest his ailing back and prepare for Duke.

Assuming he plays, the real story to watch will be if his back acts up during the game and whether it slows him down. Will the likes of Barrett and Jones have that extra step on him necessary to get to the rim and make a play? Will he lack his usual aggressiveness on offense due to a more limited range of motion? Back injuries can be temperamental, and a Ty Jerome at 80 percent could be the difference in such a tightly contested game.

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