What's Happening?
The Duke Blue Devils narrowly defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets with a score of 85-79 in their ACC opener. Freshman forward Cameron Boozer led Duke with an impressive performance, scoring 26 points
and securing 12 rebounds, marking his seventh double-double of the season. Despite Duke's strong start, Georgia Tech managed to keep the game close, coming within a single point of Duke with just over three minutes remaining. Georgia Tech's bench outperformed Duke's, contributing 25 points compared to Duke's 6 points from their bench players. The game highlighted Duke's reliance on their starters, as their bench struggled to provide significant support.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Duke as it marks their 36th win in the calendar year, setting an ACC record. However, the close nature of the game against a team not expected to make a significant impact in March raises concerns about Duke's depth and reliance on their starting lineup. The performance of Georgia Tech, despite being an underdog, suggests potential for improvement and competitiveness in future games. For Duke, the game serves as a reminder of the need to strengthen their bench performance to maintain their standing as a top team in the country.
What's Next?
Duke will need to address the weaknesses in their bench performance as they prepare for their next game against Florida State. Georgia Tech, on the other hand, will look to build on their competitive performance as they face Boston College. Both teams will aim to refine their strategies and improve their standings in the ACC as the season progresses.
