It took three games for Singler to show why he is Duke’s most complete player. In one half, Singler did everything but score for the other team. Looking at him, you would think Singler wouldn’t be strong under the rim. However, most of his scoring came from the paint. A large amount of his points came off offense rebounds that were put back in. Singler had his best night in his young career scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds leading the Blue Devils to victory.
Duke started off like they have their last two games, firing on all cylinders. They jumped all over Princeton, and no matter how many 3-pointers the Ivy leaguers put up, Duke had too much talent in every aspect of the game.
After a high powered first half, Duke struggled in the second half to get that ball in the hoop. No one could really seem to find a rhythm, and it showed as Duke shot a terrible 5-19 from behind the arc. A percentage like this will simply not cut it against better teams. Duke has to work on not forcing their shot as much as they did in the second half. Even with the bad shooting night, Duke was able to keep the lead in the twenties the entire game.
Last year Duke got killed against teams who played the Princeton style of offense. Tonight really showed how much improved Duke is because of all the fresh bodies they can throw at you. Princeton, despite being down all game, kept a fast pace. This was great for a team that will see much quicker and athletic players in the games to come. Duke has to play hard defense the entire game if they want to run the fast pace offense that they have employed this year.
Quick thoughts
-Zoubek is slowly improving, but has to learn how to throw it down. A few times he could have dunked it, but went for a lay-up.
-McClure played his first action this season. Only eight minutes, but nice to see him out there.
-Ten players scored for Duke tonight.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Kyle Singler
It took him three games, but he came out with a mission tonight. Singler showed why he is one of the best freshmen in the nation. Look for more of this from Kyle this year.
Next up for the Blue Devils is the winner of Illinois/Arizona State, tomorrow @ 8:30 on ESPN. At the half its Illinois by 14.
