Throughout the first half, Duke looked very much like a team that had not played in three weeks. The offense was out of sync and the defensive intensity was completely absent. At the 14:20 mark of the first half, Boston College led 18-11 before a 6-0 run for Duke cut the lead to one. It looked like Duke may have recovered from their slow start at this stage, but things got much worse in the first half after this moment in the game.
After Duke cut the lead to one with 12:34 left to play in the first half, Boston College steadily increased the lead over the next 10 minutes, increasing the lead to as many as sixteen points. A 10-2 Duke run to end the half kept Duke within striking distance. The team was fortunate to be down by eight going into the break. Wendell Moore was the lone bright spot in the first half.
Duke came out with great intensity in the second half. The team appeared locked in for the first time and this led to a 13-3 run to open the half. For a moment, it appeared Duke may have seized control and were potentially going to build somewhat of a comfortable lead. However, Boston College answered Duke’s punch and the two teams were in a tight battle for the entirety of the second half in a game that come down to the final few possessions. Thanks in large part to a couple clutch buckets from Wendell Moore and Matthew Hurt in the final stretch, Duke was able to narrowly survive and move to 2-0 in ACC play.
Three Observations:
Wendell Moore is back
The Sophomore was tremendous in this one. In 30 minutes, Moore put up 25 points on 8/13 from the field and 7/8 from the free throw line. He was playing with a renewed confidence. Rather than trying to force the issue, he let the game come to him and it paid off in a major way. If this is the Wendell Moore Duke is going to get moving forward, Duke will be in great shape.
Three point defense needs to improve
Duke was giving up wide open looks from three to Boston College all night. A very poor shooting team, Boston College was able to convert 9 of 16 three point attempts thanks in large part to Duke giving up several open looks. Duke was able to survive, but won’t be able to overcome poor three point defense against superior teams.
Back court production was stellar
In addition to the excellent performance from Wendell Moore, Duke saw good games from Goldwire, Steward, and Roach. Goldwire tied his season high with six assists to go along with 12 points. Roach poured in 12 points himself and added 5 assists. DJ Steward recorded 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. An all around great performance from the back court.
Player of the game: Wendell Moore
This was an easy one. Moore was spectacular. He kept Duke in the game in the first half and led the team to victory in the second. He was easily the best player for Duke in this game.