3 Key Observations From Duke's Impressive Win Over James Madison

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.

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.