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Duke Basketball: 2019-20 keys to beat Georgetown in 2K Empire Classic

By Tristan Freeman

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: The Duke Blue Devils mascot performs against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: The Duke Blue Devils mascot performs against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 20: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of the game against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Ameritas Insurance Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 20: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of the game against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Ameritas Insurance Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2. Tre Jones must impact the game from both ends

The veteran leader of the group, Jones has had the kind of sophomore campaign we all expected. He’s leading the team in scoring and had a career-high 31 points in a win over Georgia State. The other players were struggling and Duke was trailing in the second half, so the offense from the 6’2 guard is now more of a necessity than last year when it was considered a luxury.

The offense for Jones has increased but the defense has remained at the same high level. And although he’ll need to score in double-digits against Georgetown, the point guard will be needed even more, dealing with some highly athletic guards in Mac McClung and James Akinjo. Both sophomores are double-digit scorers who can go off on any given night. McClung led the Hoyas with 19 points last night while Akinjo caused foul trouble, making all 10 free throws attempted.

Considering that Jones played in all 40 minutes against Georgia State just to secure the win, he’ll be on the court the entire time that the battle with the Hoyas will be close. But if Akinjo and McClung have their way, Jones will have to sit down due to foul trouble. And while backup point guard Jordan Goldwire is a solid defensive replacement, the offense for the Blue Devils will take a hit.

The Duke leader may have to play a different style on defense and be less aggressive to avoid playing into the Hoyas’ hands. If Duke can force Georgetown to settle for a ton of jump shots instead of penetration, it’ll be a strategic win for them.

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