For the second time in less than two weeks, Duke and Pittsburgh are set to square off.
Duke enters at 13-3 overall and 4-1 in the ACC. They will be looking to extend their winning streak to nine games.
Pittsburgh has lost four out of their last five games, dropping them 10-7 overall and 1-5 in the ACC. The Panthers will be looking for revenge after getting blown out by Duke on their home floor on January 9th.
What to watch for:
Will Duke continue hot three point shooting?
Duke has shot at least 44% from beyond the arc in three of their last four games. They now face a Pittsburgh defense that has been among the best in the country at defending the three, allowing opponents to convert just 29.4% of three point attempts – 26th in the country. Whether or not Duke can convert threes at a high clip will be something to monitor.
Defending Blake Hinson
Averaging 18.1 points per game, Pittsburgh forward Blake Hinson is one of the most prolific scorers in the ACC. Slowing Hinson will be key for the Duke defense. Should Mark Mitchell miss the game, it will be interest to see how Duke defends him.
Will Duke be able to generate second chance opportunities?
Pittsburgh excels at rebounding on the defensive end. Their defensive rebounding percentage of 79.0% is the 13th best in the country. Duke was able to find success on the offensive glass the last time these teams met and will be looking to replicate that performance.
Can Duke force Pittsburgh turnovers?
Pittsburgh does a good job protecting the ball. They rank 30th in the country in turnovers per game at just 10.0. Finding a way to create turnovers will be key for Duke.
Game info:
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium
When: Saturday at 8:00pm EST
Coverage: ACCN