The Duke Blue Devils' season is not going as planned. Despite boasting elite talent at key positions, Duke has lost three of its last six games after starting 14-0 and Mike Krzyzewski recently dismissed junior guard Rasheed Sulaimon citing he was "unable to consistently live up to the standards required to be a member of our program." The Virginia Cavaliers, on the other hand, are having a fantastic season, staying undefeated after 19 games and using a stout defense as the backbone for the team's success.
How to watch Duke vs. Virginia: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming, odds
The Blue Devils are looking to right the ship after a rough stretch on the court and some off-court distractions as they face the undefeated Virginia Cavaliers Saturday.
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The second-ranked Cavaliers have turned into one of the toughest opponents to play in the country under Tony Bennett by making defense a priority, with their "pack line" scheme helping them allow the second fewest points per possessions in college basketball trailing only the also undefeated Kentucky Wildcats. They will face a tough challenge against the sixth-ranked offense of the Blue Devils. Pace will likely be the key to this game, as Virginia thrives on low-scoring, long possessions-heavy affairs. If Duke can push the ball up court and establish Jahlil Okafor early in good position, he should have his way against an undersized Cavalier frontcourt.
Justise Winslow, Quinn Cook and Tyus Jones will need to keep the defense honest from outside to make up for the loss of Sulaimon, the team's most efficient three-point shooter. For the Cavaliers, their balanced attack led by Justin Anderson, Malcolm Brogdon and Anthony Gill needs to be as effective as it has been so far and they will need to control the glass to be able to set the tone for the type of game that benefits them.
How to watch, listen and stream
Game time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Radio: Here’s a list of Duke affiliates. Here’s a list of Virginia affiliates.
Streaming: Watch ESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Duke is ranked No. 4 in both the AP and the coaches poll. Virginia is ranked No. 2 in both polls. Duke has a 17-3 record after losing to Notre Dame Wednesday. Virginia is undefeated in 19 games and is coming off a win against Virginia Tech Sunday.
Odds: Virginia is favored by 4.5 points, per OddsShark.
Two things at stake
The Cavaliers are one of only two undefeated teams left and are going into a very rough stretch in their schedule. A win against Duke would start them off in the right foot as they prepare to face North Carolina and Louisville next.
The Blue Devils need to regroup after the losses and find a way to replace Sulaimon’s production off the bench in order to regain their elite status. Justise Winslow will be called upon to step up and how he responds could have a significant effect on how Duke’s season turns out.
One big match up
Duke’s shooters vs. Virginia’s perimeter defense: Okafor is so talented and physically dominant that he will get his. The key to the game will be how accurate Duke’s shooters can be against a very good perimeter defense that will force them into tough shots. Duke’s defense is improved from a year ago but is still not close to elite so the Blue Devils will have to win with offense and their three-point shooters will have to have a good game for that to happen.
Further reading
For more on Duke, visit Duke Basketball Report. For more on Virginia, Streaking the Lawn is the place to go.
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