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

The Blue Devils put forth perhaps their best performance of the season in this dominant victory
Jared McCain set a Duke freshman record for three-pointers in an NCAA Tournament game (8)
Jared McCain set a Duke freshman record for three-pointers in an NCAA Tournament game (8) | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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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.