GAMEDAY PREVIEW — Duke at California — Wednesday, January 14th 

By Jayvion Cunningham

BERKELEY, CA: The Blue Devils looking to stay perfect in conference play as they head west in a matchup against California. The Blue Devils arrive ranked 6th in the nation having an outstanding season so far, while the Golden Bears aim to capitalize on home court, improve their 1-3 conference record and make a name for themselves. 

What’s Been Going on Recently 

Duke: 

Duke enters this matchup coming off a strong stretch over its last five games, in a 4-1 record over the last 5 the Blue Devils have shown lots of toughness. Winning both of the road games during this stretch. Not only that but 4 of the five games have been decided by 7-pts or less including the loss. Showing that sort of response when it gets tough is exactly what championship teams are made of. While offense has been the engine behind this season, the defensive effort has fueled much of Duke’s recent success. 

California: 

California over the last 5 games has had it rough. Going just 2-3, two of those losses have been by 20-pts or more. The Golden Bears have shown some flashes of competitiveness, but flashes aren’t enough. During this stretch, Cal has struggled to top 75 points, and with the Blue Devils averaging 87 points per game, this is going to come down to them playing defense. 

Key Points 

Duke 

● Win the Rebound Battle: Duke averages 40.1 rebounds per game compared to Cal’s 34.7. If you can win the rebound battle, especially on the offensive glass and create second-chance points they will increase their chances of winning. Over the last 5 games, they have an average of 11 rebounds per game, so this is something they’re capable of. 

● Continue Performing on the Road: Protecting the ball and executing in half-court is vital on the road. Duke averages 11.7 turnovers per game, if they can cut this down to about 7 or 8, it will be a key ingredient in a recipe for success. 

● Make the Free Throws: This is somewhere Duke hasn’t been the best. With Isaiah Evans being the only player shooting over 77% from the line. As a team they’re shooting only 71.8%, so if they can find a way to shoot percentages of high 70’s maybe 80 as a team I can see this game going their way.

California 

● Get to The Line: Opposite of Duke, Cal shoots free throws pretty well. Cal shoots 79.4% from the line, proving that if you send them there they’ll knock them down. If they can find a way to get to the line and slow this game down, they have a chance. 

● Be physical with Cameron Boozer: Boozer has proven this season that he is one of the nation’s best freshmen, and that he is a force to be reckoned with. Averaging 22.9 points and 9.5 rebounds, he’s clearly the engine of this Duke team. You’re going to have to slow him down, and being physical may be the only way. 

● Protect home court: Energy and execution early will be vital. Feed off the crowd and keep them into the game that way, it’s harder for Duke to run away with this thing.