Duke Dominates Army in a 100-58 Rout
Durham, NC - The No. 7 Duke Blue Devils showcased their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity in a dominant 100-58 victory over the Army Black Knights on Saturday. The Blue Devils, fueled by a balanced scoring attack and suffocating defense, cruised to their seventh consecutive win, extending their impressive start to the season.
Duke's Offense Unleashed
The Blue Devils were a scoring machine from the opening tip. Jeremy Roach led the charge with 22 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership. Kyle Filipowski, the freshman sensation, added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.
The scoring wasn't limited to just a few players. Duke had six players score in double figures, with Tyrese Proctor (16 points), Mark Mitchell (14 points), Dereck Lively II (12 points), and Jaylen Blakes (10 points) all contributing significantly to the offensive explosion.
This balanced scoring attack proved to be too much for Army to handle. The Black Knights struggled to find a rhythm offensively, shooting just 37.5% from the field.
Stifling Defense Leads the Way
Duke's defense was equally impressive, shutting down Army's offensive efforts. The Blue Devils forced 18 turnovers and held the Black Knights to just 20 points in the first half.
The defensive intensity was evident throughout the game. Lively II was a force in the paint, swatting away shots and altering numerous others. Proctor and Blakes were disruptive on the perimeter, forcing turnovers and disrupting the flow of Army's offense.
Key Takeaways
The victory highlights Duke's offensive versatility and defensive dominance. The Blue Devils are a well-rounded team with a deep roster capable of putting up big numbers. The ability to score in bunches while also stifling opposing offenses makes them a formidable force in the ACC.
As the season progresses, Duke will face tougher opponents, but this dominant performance against Army is a positive sign for the Blue Devils as they continue their pursuit of an ACC Championship.