Game day!Wear white tonight ⚪️🏀 vs. No. 3 Duke📍 Blacksburg, Va.🕚 7 p.m. ETℹ️ https://t.co/OvelWHDPVd📈 https://t.co/x0LoDRFkHL📻 https://t.co/Y5WNSie1Vm📺 ESPN💻 https://t.co/0zEXvAhs3q#getBETTER | #Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/onemylD3Hi— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) February 26, 2019
GAME INFORMATION
Date/Time: Feb. 26, 20189/ 7 p.m.
Opponent: Duke University
Site: Blacksburg, Virginia (Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum)
Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network
Talent: Jon Laaser & Mike Burnop
Television: ESPN
Talent: Rece Davis, LaPhonso Ellis & Brooke Weisbrod
Live Stats: HokieSports.com
Game Notes: Virginia Tech
Sirius: 134 XM: 193 Internet: 954
JROB out, no problem, Delaney in the house, get him suited up....
Malcolm Delaney (@Foe23) sits down with @HokieVision before tonight's game!He discusses his favorite memories at Tech and what he is up to now ✊#getBETTER | #Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/78mMY5fyXX— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) February 26, 2019
Nitty Gritty Double Bye
Buzzketball gets a chance at Duke, one with improved odds now that Zion has to sit out. The Hokies face a monumental task with how well put together this Duke roster is this season. In addition to that, the Hokies find themselves locked up the standings with Florida State, whom the Hokies face next after the Duke contest. They have a game or more advantage on everyone else for the double bye. Every game left takes on that much more significance in terms of where the Hokies stand.
This game is a sellout at Cassell and a Whiteout effect game. No doubt there will be a rowdy crowd especially with Bacon being back for the second half. Duke so far this season has lost to #1 Gonzaga, Syracuse, and #5 UNC when Zion first got hurt. The UNC loss was easy to see coming after the Zion exit. The other two losses took a missed shot at the buzzer against the top team in the country after mounting a 16 point comeback and overtime against Syracuse where neither team decided to play defense with a 95-91 final.
Here's the plan...✔️ GET LOUD for @HokiesMBB‼️✔️ Duke misses two straight free throws in the 2nd half✔️ FREE @SmithfieldBrand's bacon 🥓#getBETTER | #Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/fp73iWv9Ed— HokieSports (@hokiesports) February 26, 2019
This will be the fifty sixth meeting between the Hokies and Blue Devils. Duke leads the all-time series 46-10, starting all the way back in 1912. The Hokies last victory against the Blue Devils came last season as the Hokies made an exciting comeback in the final minutes to upset #5 Duke 64-63 in Blacksburg. Tech could really use some of that magic to reappear in the form of someone leading a barrage from all corners.
The Blue Devils are coached by Mike Krzyzewski, who has coached Duke to a 1051-282 record, an almost 79% winning percentage. Prior to Duke, Kryzewski coached Army to a 73-59 record, giving him an overall record of 1124-341. In the 38 years that Coach K has been at the helm, Duke has only managed to not make the NCAA tournament four times, and barring the year he had surgery, and relinquished the helm in 1995, it was only his first three years as head coach that they didn't make it.
One thing to keep in mind when facing Duke is a Coach K mantra, "A winning basketball team makes the opponent react to them, whether they are on offense or defense"
This team is full of stars, with the potential to have the first three players taken in the draft, which would be the first time that has ever happened in the NBA. At first glance, even though Zion is thought to be the top player in the country, you wouldn't think this roster would suffer much based on how many four and five star players are on this roster. That said, as Alum07 pointed out earlier this week, Duke allowed UNC to score 62 points in the paint. The Blue Devils did better against Syracuse with some preparation, allowing only 30 but even that is 7 points more than they were allowing on average this season.
Defensively, the Blue Devils employ a high pressure attacking defense that varies its form and style based on opponents. This season had been almost exclusively 3-2 zone with Williamson and Barrett responsible for the paint and the other three "guards" locking down perimeter shooters. Its hard to refer to players like Reddish or White as guards with their overall size. Duke will also rotate into a 1-3-1 formation depending on the opponent. Zion being out likely shifts Duke to a two three zone with normal stretch assignments to guard the perimeter ball handler by shifting into passing lanes and making it difficult to get a clean shot or pass the ball. A couple other tenets of a Coach K defense are that his defenses involve getting all five players to play together: talking on defense, seeing the ball, and moving as the ball moves. He expects all five guys to play for the charge as a standard. He also coaches his team that defense continues until the ball is in Duke hands.
Offensively, Duke usually runs a three out, two in Motion offense, which involves the perimeter players looking for bigs at the free throw line to create space, open up driving lanes, or allowing for kickout shots from the corner and did involve a ton of lob it up and let Zion fly. This game with Zion out, we may see more 4 out, one in Motion. The Blue Devils excel at moving without the ball so they are in the right spot to take advantage of a defensive miscue.
Duke isn't exactly the fastest paced offense so the Hokies should look to speed them up if they can. The minor bit of bad news that the Zion absence creates for the Hokies is that Duke has been forced to rely on one of their only consistent three point shooters to play significantly more, which has led to a sharp increase in made shots from outside. Duke comes in averaging only 7.5 three pointers per contest made. Most ACC teams are in or close to double digits.
Blue Devils Backcourt
Tre Jones, (#3) 6'2, 183 Lbs, Freshman Guard makes things go for the Blue Devils on offense. He is averaging 8.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and an incredible 5.3 APG. He is shooting 25% from outside and 41% from inside this season while shooting 71% so far from the line. Jones will look to dribble penetrate to facilitate Reddish and Barrett scoring down low.
and as if dealing with Kyle Guy, the man-bun bankshot wasn't bad enough, enter....
Sophomore Alex O'Connell, (#15) 6'6, 183 Lbs, Guard, comes in having been kind of an afterthought most of the season for the Blue Devils, but with Zion out he put up 20 in their win over Syracuse, going 5-8 from outside. He is putting up 4.6 PPG, 1.8 RPG, .6 APG and 1 SPG. He is averaging over 38% from outside, shooting 60% inside and is shooting 75% from the line. This is the shooter that could turn the game inside out for the Blue Devils. The Hokies need to be ever aware of his location on the outside.
Blue Devils Frontcourt
Freshman Forward R.J. Barrett, #5, 6'7, 202 lbs is the leading scorer for Duke. Barrett is putting up 23.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 1 SPG. He is shooting 53% inside, 33% outside and 69% from the free throw line. The Hokies will have to be aware of Barrett's ability to find the open shooter, especially if its O'Connell.
Freshman Cam Reddish, #2, 6'8, 218 lbs this season is averaging 14 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 1.9 SPG. He is shooting 40% from the inside and 33% from outside while also hitting 78% of his free throws.
Chugga Chugga Choo Choo....
Junior Marques Bolden (#20) 6'11, 250 Lbs is averaging 5.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 1.9 BPG and will be counted on inside to cover most of what Zion's role was. Bolden is shooting 62% inside and 68% from the line.
Junior Jack White (#41) 6'7, 222 Lbs, is averaging 4.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1 APG, and 1.2 BPG. He is shooting 74% inside and 28% outside. He shoots 83% from the free throw line. White is one of those sleepers that if given more time with the Zion injury, could really begin to deliver for Duke considering his shooting percentages and overall impact on both ends of the floor.
Javin Delaurier (#12). 6'10, 234 Lbs. is averaging 3.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1 SPG, and 1 BPG over about 14 mpg. He shoots 78% inside and 58% from the free throw line.
What to expect from Duke?
The Blue Devils play predominantly a half court high pressure defense in either man to man or zone geared towards making opponents make mistakes. Their goal is to take the ball away any way possible, limiting the number of shots that an opponent takes to instantly give them an advantage on the other end. Relentless attack on the ballhandlers so that they move from defense to offense. Size and long arms in passing lanes help Duke average the 4th most steals in the country at over 10 per game. Yes, Double Digit steals and opponents average almost 16 turnovers per contest.
The Blue Devils are the number five scoring offense in the country, averaging 85.5 PPG and only allowing opponents 66.9 PPG. That's just short of a 20 point average margin of victory so far this season. The ACC schedule has been closer but its still almost a 10 point average margin of victory. The only area in conference that Duke has really dominated opponents is interior scoring but that is mostly with Zion in the paint. Expect Duke to use their size to get in the lane and try to overwhelm the Hokies in the paint.
Rebounding wise, the Blue Devils you would expect to be a dominating team on the glass but that really isn't the case. They are fourth in conference in rebounding but allow the 6th most in conference rebounds to opponents, with essentially a three rebound average margin over ACC foes.
Duke has four players that average over two per contest and in the two games that Zion has sat out, the fill in time adds two other players that struggle with fouls getting more minutes. Hopefully the Hokies ability to speed up the game and stretch the opponent will lead to a few more opportunities as they force defenders to reach. This could dramatically alter the course of this contest.
The Hokies
Here.We.Go.#getBETTER pic.twitter.com/Hog5rRDapx— Virginia Tech Basketball 🦃 (@Hokie_Hoops) February 26, 2019
Tech needs a high paced tempo the entire game without letting up if they want to win this matchup. They have to be able to get a high number of transition baskets while forcing Duke out of its comfort zone in methodically attacking the ball. Essentially force Duke to deal with their own medicine when they are on offense. They were able to do exactly this last year and it proved invaluable in that victory.
Since Justin Robinson was injured, the Hokies unfortunately have averaged just one possession on average more than UVA during the same time. Average scoring per contest is also down by almost 10 points per contest. Its been sluggish at best but they have to be able to overcome this to have any advantage with their speed.
Tech will have a tough time winning the lane on offense so it has to be able to hit its jumpers, especially critical is hitting its perimeter shots. Tech likely needs to shoot better than 40% from outside to be a factor in this game. Duke has held opponents to 30% shooting from outside in conference play.
This may seem counterintuitive but they still need to Pound the Paint, as both NAW and Blackshear need to play a major role in this game. Getting the ball inside and forcing Duke's bigs to adjust to the Hokies challenging them inside. Hill should also play a major factor in possibly getting the Blue Devils in some foul trouble. Bede has to stop hesitating. If he is going to drive, it needs to be fluid and use his speed to get past a defender rather than just backing out from the top of the key.
One thing to remember though is that Duke is averaging and unbelievable 7.5 blocks per game as a team so the Hokies need to make sure that they get quality looks at the basket or force the defender into contact or driving into the lane will just lead to a ton of turnovers.
The Hokies advantage of playing team basketball seems to have taken on a new unfortunately less organized look on offense over the last few games with Robinson out with injury. That said the Blue Devils have struggled against faster pace teams this season so the Hokies need to continue pushing the pace to keep Duke off balance. The Hokies have to find a balance in protecting the paint but preventing O'Connell from torching them from the perimeter.
In Closing
We need to see a game much like last season, where Duke didn't have a chance to catch their breath. This led to fatigue in the waning moments which the Hokies were able to take full advantage of. All the arguments of talent and size go out the window when you are a step behind your opponent all night. The Hokies have speed and athleticism that Duke cannot match.
Duke on the other hand has a size advantage at most positions on the floor so expect Duke to back down defenders in the lane to get easy lay-ups or hook shots.
Buzz should look to stretch the floor, especially on defense with Zion out. They will try to attack Duke before they even manage to get across half court so they are able to limit Duke's time to set up offensive plays but also hope to create transition baskets or foul line opportunities.
Justin Robinson. Justin Robinson. Justin Robinson. While I don't expect him back, I am hearing rumblings he is closer than ever to returning so a small appearance might not be out of the question, similar to PJ Horne his first game back. That said, its still less likely to happen so don't count on it until #5 is at the check in desk. Either way, hopefully soon, we get to see one of the four greatest Hokies to ever play back on the court.
Hokies continue their domination of Duke on Feb 26th, since they are 2-1 against Duke on this date over history and 2-0 in this century. The Hokies are actually an amazing 8-11 against Duke at Cassell. I was unable to confirm but it has to be one of the best home records of any team against Duke. Hokies win 72-69.
Our 9️⃣th 'Road🛣Game' 📸 of the 🏀 season for our 'Culture Wall'!Thank you to all the #Hokies near ➕ far 4️⃣ their support. We are grateful!We will turn all blessings back 2️⃣ praise! 🙏🏿🗣🙌🏽👠🥿 pic.twitter.com/iTjCmlhiJ2— Buzz Williams (@TeamCoachBuzz) February 24, 2019
Comments
Let's Go
HOKIES!!! 🦃🦃🦃
great writeup as always. two things stuck out to me...
#1 "The Hokies have speed and athleticism that Duke cannot match."
What a time to be a VT fan!
and #2
"Tre Jones, (#3) 6'2, 183 Lbs, Freshman .. averaging ...an incredible 5.3 APG"
What's so incredible about 5.3 APG? 5+ APG in college is good, but incredible would be 10+ APG.
#2 still puts him in the top 50 in the country in assists as a freshman and leads the ACC. One of only two freshman in a Power 5 conference with that many assists per game. The other is Andrew Nembhard at Florida who is averaging the same amount for the Gators. James Akinjo at Georgetown also averages 5.3 which is another school that plays against top talent. Top Freshman in the country is Kai Toews at UNC Wilmington with 7.9 assists per game.
Sure there are guys at smaller schools that dominate their conferences that are averaging more, only one in the nation though above 8 assists per game is Ja Morant from Murray State at 10.3.
I guess it's great for a freshman, and top tier for NCCAB. I'm always surprised how difficult it seems to be for college PG's to collect assists. 5 is only averaging 5.5 assist per game himself.
More impressive to me is that Jones is only averaging 1.2 turnovers per game while playing 32+ MPG as a freshman.
via GIPHY
Boy, I'm not sure the Hokies have it in them to do what you are suggesting. The last 8 games have been slow and ugly. Do the guys really have the legs to get out and run?
They do if Buzz balances the minutes better. If he limits Wilkins, Kabongo and Horne to a total of 20 minutes again then no. It will then turn into a slugfest, which completely favors the Blue Devils with how they score in the paint.
If you are going to take a chance and let those guys get quite a bit more time, this would be the game to do it.
Yes, especially since the two freshmen both seem like high energy momentum type players that could contribute some critical plays, like a steal and two free throws to end a half
but who is their worst 3 point shooter, I need to know so I won't be surprised when he drains them all. /s
Of those that attempt more than 1 per game, Tre Jones is your guy, averaging 25%.
One other one to watch out for would be if they turn their Justin Robinson loose to play because he averages 44% from outside but only plays about 4 minutes per game in half of their games. That would be a Poetic Nightmare, to be taken down by Justin Robinson.
No boot for Robinson. Still in street clothes.
My goodness, that lineup photo for the O'Connell kid...he just looks like a D bag
And that's why you have Bede keep taking his shots
Med ballin like he means it
Bede knocking down that 3 and then immediately getting the steal
His first 3 looked good too and nearly fell, hope he keeps shooting like that if they are giving him open looks.
To the Hill critics, I present the first four minutes.
Glad we get to watch Zion doing nothing for the last 5 minutes
Wtf am I having to watch reaction shots of Williamson on the split screen?
But did you know you blew his shoe out against UNC? And Nike almost collapsed as a company when it happened
It's like Buzz hid his secret weapon (KBJ) for three years.
Does ESPN know we're also missing like 3 players, including our All-ACC point guard?
Too busy focusing on the one Duke player that's out.
If we win it's our veteran squad...
these T-Mobile commercials are just god awful
Oh boy Outlaw isn't even hitting the barn let alone the broad side of it
What the hell kinda possession was that. Just passed around the perimeter for 30 seconds.
As anemic as the offense has been without 5, it's been even worse without Bede as well
I would be much more comfortable if Outlaw could have hit any of those 3s and KBJ not dunkfailed.
Tough call on Horne.
Huge 3 by NAW there. Need Outlaw to hit his open looks & hopefully that dunk by Blackshear doesn't come back to hurt us. Solid game so far. Loving our defensive game plan so far
Ty ain't feelin' it... yet. But he needs to keep chucking it up. Because when it goes, he could go off for three, four, five in a row.
God Blackshear come on. Those FT's need to go in
I'm not comfortable with this lead for some reason.
18-1 when leading at the half...
Wilkins is gonna be a HOSS
LET'S GO ISAIAH WILKINS. ALL EFFORT
How the hell was that not a charge?!
I wondered the same thing. Looked to me like he was outside the circle. It was a bang-bang play. would like to see a replay.
ACC refs. nuff said
Outlaw saw one go in... maybe that will get him going!
Isaiah Wilkins = Baby Marcus Smart
No. Marcus Smart is a pussy.
That's a fucking awful call. No way that should be a flagrant he tried to hold him up
Meh probably a legit call but he was cherry picking so it should cancel out.
Well it was only a matter of time before the refs got involved
And then another fucking awful call. Jesus christ
Took 18 minutes for the Duke payoff to show up.
god Horne come on
Our guys are playing HARD! I'm loving it!
Go Hokies!
They are smelling blood in the water against a wounded opponent
#sharkattack
via GIPHY
NAW has not looked like an NBA player at all for about half the season. I just don't get it.
Nickeil. So freaking sloppy on the offensive end so far
Another bad pass turnover by NAW. He is good for 4 or 5 of those a game recently.
Time for the VT patented 50 point second half
I'm going to give Robinson an honorary redshirt year because of this injury.
... Was that not a travel?
Buzz - "Did he walk???"
He's always great.
Buzz is just....a smart coach.
IIRC Hokies are 18-1 when leading at half time!
Lol Buzz please never leave us.
Lmao the reporter didn't know what to say
Almost perfect first half for VT defensively. Keeping Duke out of the paint and players other than Barrett make plays.
Seth was all over it... We are just ignoring Trey Jones when he doesn't have the ball. Same thing UNC did, and it's shutting them down.
I feel that if we shoot our average from 3 the 2nd half, we win. KJ needs touches to dish it back out though. They are working hard to deny him the ball but we can't get away from going through him when possible.
Its been a while since we've done that.
KJ with the ball in the paint is a big mismatch for us. Duke doesn't have anyone who can really guard him without help, opening up someone from 3
If we are able to make the inside out work in the second half, things should go well for us
halftime and Blackshear has 0 fouls! can you believe it?
Well shit you just caused him to pick up 3 immediately to start the second
I hope you are happy
Reach 26 ft from the bucket, offensive foul, then a defensive foul at the rim. Book it!
You guys...
that was last year!
Zion is on the bench. So yes, yes I can.
All joking aside KJ has matured as a player sooo much this season in that respect. Limiting the fouls 20+ feet from the basket.
I am currently in Cassell and the students in front of me just asked me to tone it down when we are on defense. WTF? No I fucking will not. Go Hokies! 🦃
NO! do not tone it down. RAMP IT UP!!!
I told them that no I couldn't and I don't think my companion has ever been more proud. Then two more students moved over to sit next to me 🤷♀️
Kids today have no respect.
I befriended another Hokie here at the bar. I'm going to call that a good omen. Let's finish the upset!
How are we winning this game?
RJ Barrett: 1/7 4pts 2 fouls
That'll do it
Blackshear feet talk, everyone drink
Another missed travel on Duke
You guys! You guys! Zion smiles!
Now let's see how the ACC refs save Duke tonight
And there it is... Duke gonna get some whistles now.
Wow lead with the shoulder much there
I think the officiating has been mostly good, but that was egregious.
Horse shit call. The ref on the baseline was about to call it a charge too
Too bad it went to commercial. Now he will forget about the make up call.
If that bald ref had any balls he would have called the charge like he wanted to.
I mean that's as obvious of a charge as you can have. Full extension of his arm
I feel like we have to get a makeup call there. I hope they have played the replay several times in Cassel during this TV timeout
They never play replays in Cassel. I am getting ready to watch out on tv to see what calls they actually made.
Bede is not good offensively.
Is that Laze announcing the substitutions? Sounds like him but I don't know how he could do that and the radio broadcast unless it's prerecorded buy I don't know why they'd do that?
Did Bede just airball a layup?
NAW dribbled the ball in a circle for the first 20 seconds of the shot clock.
Finally they call it correctly
Man Bede has missed some easy looks tonight. But he has had a fantastic game on D.
He has missed some good looks but I like that he is being aggressive and attacking.
I think these announcers need to come up with one more excuse for Duke. /s
This has the feeling of a game that the good guys could definitely win, but will not win
Duke is about to show why they are a top 5 team and finish this game. That killer instinct that RJ Barret is showing is impressive
Bede showing killer instinct right now with the 3
This obsession with putting the camera on Zion on the bench is fucking bullshit. The motherfucker isn't even playing
I feel like even Duke fans would be annoyed with it. He is not even animated on the bench so what's the point?
But but how will we know what he's doing?!? Also Barrett has the runs...apparently newsworthy info
Its been great watching Zion watch the game... thanks for that EZPN
This split screen for Zion is ridiculous. ESPN is going full Kraft/massage parlor on him.
ESPN is fucking shameless in their rooting for Duke. Bullshit Zion-cam included.
These announcers are so fucking annoying. Also, how did they miss the extremely obvious goaltend on NAW's fastbreak layup attempt
Are you asking how ACC refs gave Dook a no-call for something obvious?
ESPN is a parody of itself
Take punches and punch back. Got to make free throws!
Bede made one!
Bacon!
🥓 🥓 🥓 🥓
JFC these refs and announcers. Really good read by RJ? He got stuffed by KJ
Kerry Blackshear Jr
Only O we have
FEED THE BEAST!!!
At least the announcers are giving Joe's the credit it deserves. That place is amaaaaazing
6' 10" Guard
"Athletic support equipment on the floor and Blackshear flushed it" -Reece
That was a pretty good call by Reece
That's the only thing Reece has said that I cared to hear!
Damn, KJB, Reddish has a family!
Only could have been better if he posterized Barrett on the dunk
I would pay good money to watch KBJ teabag a blue devil.
I'm Commander Shepherd and this is my favorite comment on this game thread.
That Blackshear step back/fake into the dunk gave me tingles and jingles in my pantalones....
Clear over the back
That was an unbelievably dumb set of back to back possessions to let Duke tie it up
Couple really bad defensive and offensive possessions there
Defensive rotation...
This is not the time to go into our classic scoring drought.
Stop chucking up 3s.
...unless you're Ty Outlaw.
via GIPHY
Offensive. Rebounds.
OUTLAWWWWWWW
Major League always gets a leg.
Very well aged movie.
I LOVE EVERYBODY IN THIS BAR
All we do is beat top 5 Duke at home
HOKIE HOKIE HOKIE HI DOOK JUST LOST TO VPI
Hey FAM....
FAM!!
WWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO
I will never get tired of beating Duke.
VicTory!
Blackshear double double
Erection Intensifies...
That should get us a #1 seed!!!!!
/s!!!!
Buzz sounded very thoughtful
Beating Duke never gets old!!
If we do it everytime is it still considered an upset?
I've got those feels FAM!
LET'S GO BOYS. HUGE WIN
Put them away at the end!! Killer instinct. Finally a Big win this year.
NAW may not have had his best shooting night but 13 pts, 5 rebs, 6 assists, 4 steals, a block, and only one TO. Nice.
The 4 steals were key
keys to victory...
BLACKSHEAR double double
only 6 turnovers
12 assist on 23 made field goals. that's over 50%
79.3% free throws
VT - 29 FT attempts
Duke - 19 FT attempts
We got the Duke whistle tonight.
Those refs still swallowed a lot of calls against duke.
That was a team win there, folks. Nice night all around.
WoW.