Duke Defeats Maine 96-62 In Season Opener

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Post on Nov 05, 2024

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Blue Devils Soar Past Black Bears in Season Opener: Duke Defeats Maine 96-62

The Duke Blue Devils kicked off their season with a dominant 96-62 victory over the Maine Black Bears on Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils showcased their talent and depth, overwhelming the Black Bears with a relentless offensive attack and stifling defense.

Duke's Offense Finds its Rhythm

Duke's offensive firepower was on full display from the outset. The Blue Devils shot an impressive 55.6% from the field, including a sizzling 42.9% from three-point range. Sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor led the scoring charge with 23 points, showcasing his improved shooting stroke and playmaking abilities. Proctor also dished out 5 assists, demonstrating his ability to control the offense.

Joining Proctor in double figures were freshman Dereck Lively II with 16 points, Kyle Filipowski with 14 points, and Mark Mitchell with 10 points. The Blue Devils showed their depth and versatility, with 10 different players scoring in the game. The balanced scoring attack kept Maine off balance throughout the contest.

Defensive Dominance Sets the Tone

Duke's defense was equally impressive, holding Maine to just 36.5% shooting from the field. The Blue Devils forced 19 turnovers and dominated the glass with a 43-26 rebounding advantage. Lively II was a force in the paint, collecting 9 rebounds and swatting 3 shots.

The Black Bears struggled to find any rhythm offensively, as Duke's aggressive defense made it difficult to find open shots. Maine's leading scorer, Gedi Juozapaitis, was held to just 15 points.

A Promising Start for the Blue Devils

The season-opening victory provided a glimpse into the potential of this talented Duke team. The Blue Devils showed their offensive firepower, defensive intensity, and depth, all crucial ingredients for a successful season. Head coach Jon Scheyer will be pleased with the performance, especially the way the team shared the ball and played with energy on both ends of the court.

The Blue Devils will now look to build on this strong start as they face off against a tough schedule in the coming weeks. With their talent and coaching, Duke is poised to be a contender for the ACC title and beyond.