Does Duke have a miraculous run in them? Every indication points to no, but it is March, and crazier things have happened. “Win or go home” games have started early for Duke this year. Usually, these types games don’t begin until Duke kicks off March Madness. This year, they need an improbable run just to get there.
Boston College finished at the bottom of the ACC standings at the end of the regular season and as a result, enter the ACC Tournament as the 15 seed. It’s been all bad for Boston College this season. The Eagles did not win two straight games all season, and ended the regular season with a 4-15 record. Boston College went 2-11 in ACC play. They enter this game losers of two straight, with their last win coming on February 27th against Notre Dame.
What to watch for:
Can Duke take advantage of Boston College’s defense?
Boston College finished the regular season giving up 79.2 points per game, the most in the ACC by a significant margin. Only 21 teams in the country gave up more points per game than Boston College. The Eagles have not been able to stop anybody this season, and Duke will need to capitalize on their defensive issues.
How will Duke react to being in the ACC Tournament?
Jordan Goldwire is the only player on Duke’s roster that has experience playing in the ACC Tournament. This will be a new experience for the vast majority of Duke’s roster. Who will step up under the brighter lights?
Exploiting Boston College’s rebounding weakness
Boston College was the second worst rebounding team in the ACC during the regular season. Duke has struggled in certain games this season on the glass, but needs to ensure that does not happen against a Boston College team that struggles mightily to rebound. Duke must take of business in the rebounding department.
Jay Heath
While Boston College lacks offensive firepower as a whole, Jay Heath is one guy that can provide it. The Sophomore guard leads Boston College with 15.1 points per game on the season. Heath is capable of getting hot and putting up points in a hurry, evidenced by his five 20+ point games this season. One potential path to defeat is allowing Heath to get hot, something Duke will need to avoid.