Read below for a full Duke vs Incarnate Word prediction and preview.
The Blue Devils are looking to extend their winning streak to four games, but it has not been easy. On Sunday, Duke had to overcome a 14-point deficit to defeat Louisville in both teams ACC opener 76-65. Cooper Flagg led the team with 20 points, getting his second double-double of the season, while Maliq Brown added 11 rebounds off the bench. Duke will face off against Incarnate Word for the first time.
General Information:
Teams: Duke (7-2, 1-0 ACC) and Incarnate Word (5-4, 1-1 Southland)
Tip time: 7 p.m. EST
Watch: ACC Network
Listen: Blue Devil Sports Network
Latest on Incarnate Word basketball:
Stay tough#TheWord | #TakeFlight | #ANYWAY pic.twitter.com/rKKxl801g9
— UIW Men’s Basketball (@UIWMBB) December 7, 2024
Another player making an impact for the Cardinals is Jalin Anderson. The transfer from Ball State, Anderson is having a career season so far in assists. The Jackson, TN native is averaging 6.2 assists per game, ranking 13th in the nation and almost two ahead of second place in Southland play.
The team also is one of the top three-point shooting teams in the nation, ranking fourth with shooting 42.6% from beyond the arc. Dylan Hayman, along with Anderson and Bailey, have given opponents nightmares with each of them shooting over 36% from deep.
Latest on Duke basketball:
The Blue Devils returned from a two-game road trip with a 4-2 record, then proceeded to have one of the only bright spots of the ACC/SEC Challenge. After defeating then-No. 2 Auburn, Duke earned their first conference win of the season.
Cooper Flagg is starting to find his groove in this offense, recording two straight double-doubles in the last two games. He also is one of two players to record over 5 rebounds a game, with Brown averaging 5.9 off the bench.
love to watch Coop HOOP 🦾🗣️💪💪 pic.twitter.com/2YTnS0Qntf
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) December 9, 2024
One thing that needs to be improved on for the Blue Devils before the bulk of ACC play begins is not getting out to slow starts. This is something that has been giving Jon Scheyer some pause.
“Our thing is, no matter what, whether you come out to a great start or not, it’s about how you play the rest of the 36 minutes,” the third-year head coach said after the Louisville game. “We’re not flinching. We’re going to stick with it. I think our team has developed a tough mentality with that and to be able to overcome those moments.”