Duke Basketball: 3 keys to beating ACC threat Pittsburgh Panthers

2. Have solid PG without Jeremy Roach

The junior point guard missed the last game with a toe injury that’s been lingering for over a month. It has had an impact on his play, averaging 11.9 ppg and 3.2 on the season. He may not have broken out this season compared to the preseason expectations but Roach has clearly been the best ball-handler on the team.

With him out against Boston College, Proctor got the start in his place. He ended up with just six points on 2/10 shooting, including 0/5 from three-point range. Jaylen Blakes, who has played well as of late with the new opportunities in minutes, had two points off the bench in 18 minutes.

That was enough to survive Boston College but against NC State, a blowout occurred. And Pittsburgh’s backcourt is more comparable to the Wolfpack, with four guards in the rotation all being 5th or 6th-year seniors and with plenty of experience. The duo of Burton and Nelly Cummings will be a problem and if Proctor doesn’t play well, can have an impact on the outcome of the game.

Duke may have the backcourt disadvantage but between being at home and having plenty of frontcourt talent, its guards shouldn’t feel the pressure of having to do it all. In fact, as the first key stated, just having a good defensive impact should be enough to turn the tide of the game to their side.