Duke Basketball: Takeaways from Blue Devils win over Northwest Missouri State
Duke Basketball has its second exhibition game upcoming this week. Before we get there, here are five takeaways from the Blue Devils win over NW Missouri State.
Duke Basketball will play host to their second opponent of the 2019-20 exhibition schedule versus Fort Valley State on Oct. 30. The Blue Devils won its first tuneup of the season over Northwest Missouri State 69-63 on Saturday.
The game against the defending D-II national champions proved to be much more challenging than expected. After a close first half where there were one tie and two lead changes, Duke took control of the contest at the start of the second half. The Blue Devils led by 19 points with just over six minutes to play in the game, but Northwest Missouri St. drained five triples down the stretch to make the score close. Scoring off of second-chance opportunities and in transition were vital for Duke.
Duke defeated NW Missouri State 93-60 in the programs only other meeting in Oct. 2017.
1. Defense is going to essential this season
Duke was excellent defensively on Saturday night. The Blue Devils limited a veteran Bearcats’ squad to just 39.5% shooting for the night and forced 21 turnovers, which they turned into 20 points. They also blocked five shots and came away with 11 steals while only being called for nine fouls.
The defense was particularly strong in the first half as the Blue Devils permitted NW Missouri St. to only eight field goals and 32% shooting. Duke also forced 14 turnovers in the opening half, and the Blue Devils turned those mistakes into 15 points. As a result of the fantastic defensive play, Duke led the contest 28-22 at halftime.
Tre Jones and Jordan Goldwire were the main defensive catalysts for Duke. Not only did they disrupt the Bearcats getting into their offense, but the two point guards also came up with five steals, one block, and five defensive rebounds. Goldwire, who is known for his defensive prowess, registered four steals and one rebound in 24 minutes. Wendell Moore, Javin DeLaurier, and Vernon Carey are also staunch defenders.