2. This Was Duke's Best Defensive Game of the Season
The biggest question mark around Duke coming into March Madness centered around the defense. Duke ranks 109th in opponent two-point shooting percentage (49%) and 160th in opponent turnover percentage (17.1%), but they flipped the script.
James Madison shot 38% from the field and committed 14 turnovers, notable considering they entered the contest ranking 45th in turnover rate (14.9%). Mark Mitchell had three steals while Kyle Filipowski and Jeremy Roach both had two, harassing their opponent into a mediocre 55-point effort.
Mark Mitchell met him at the rim 😳#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/0jKn9xvAkN
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2024
Turnovers weren't the only stat Duke's defense can tip its cap on, as the Blue Devils compiled four blocks as well.
Despite Houston's 100-point game against Texas A&M, the Cougars are not a good offensive team. They rank 183rd in effective field goal percentage (50.5%) and 216th in two-point shooting percentage (49.4%).
If the Blue Devils bring the same defensive intensity and score points in transition off turnovers, they'll win the game. This was Duke's best defensive game of the season and I hope we see more of the same on Friday night.