Duke Basketball: Keys for Sweet 16 matchup with Virginia Tech Hokies

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 24: Zion Williamson #1 2 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate after defeating the UCF Knights in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Ahmed Hill #13 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates with Ty Outlaw #42 as time expires in the second half against the Liberty Flames during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3. Defend the 3-point line.

The Hokies have been excellent from the 3-point line this year. They are shooting 39.5 percent from behind the arc, which has them ranked 8th overall in the nation. All of the keys players for the Hokies have been shooting above 34 percent. The best way to upset a team is to get hot from the 3-point line. The Hokies are capable of knocking down threes repeatedly versus even the best teams.

Robinson, Ahmed Hill, and Ty Outlaw are the teams best 3-point shooters. They all average over four attempts per a game from behind the arc and are shooting over 38 percent. With the threat from Robinson, Hill, and Outlaw from behind the arc, the offense is opened for the rest of the team to drive, cut, and get open shots for themselves. This great shooting from behind the arc is one of the reasons why the Hokies are in the position to make a run to the Elite Eight.

However, the Blue Devils are ranked 12th in 3-point defense this year. They have limited their opponents to shoot 29.8 percent from the 3-point line. Duke has been able to hold teams to this kind of 3-point percentage by closing out hard on shooters and getting teams to take bad shots at the end of shot clocks. The Blue Devils are an elite defensive team who can make up for their mistakes with their excellent athletic abilities.

The Blue Devils will need to chase the Hokies off the 3-point line to advance to the Elite Eight. If the Hokies get hot from 3-point range, it could spell upset for the Blue Devils.

Home/Duke Blue Devils