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Duke Basketball: 3 keys to victory against Auburn in SEC/ACC Challenge

The Duke Blue Devils square off with the Auburn Tigers in the ACC/SEC Challenge. Take a look at three keys to victory as the Blue Devils look to hand Auburn their first loss of the 2024-25 season.

Seattle v Duke
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Keep Johni Broome contained

The Blue Devils are still finding their identity offensively, one thing they haven't had to worry about is their scoring defense, at least until now. Auburn comes into Wednesday's meeting with the 21st ranked scoring offense at 86.7 points per game.

They're led by 7-footer Johni Broome, a prospect who should keep freshman Cooper Flagg busy on both ends of the floor for 40 minutes. Broome has put up five double-doubles in Auburn's last five games and gave UNC fits with 19 rebounds (6 offensive) in the Maui Invitational.

One thing Duke has going for them that the Tar Heels lack in Maui is more size in the frontcourt to rely on. They have Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel to contend with Broome on the interior.

They'll need to do their best to stay out of foul trouble to keep Broome contained. He's producing 22.6 points, 14.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 60.1 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3-point range across Auburn's last five games.