The Duke Blue Devils faced off against the SMU Mustangs on Saturday, January 6th, but they were without their head coach, Jon Scheyer. Unfortunately, Scheyer was unable to travel with the team due to an illness. His absence was noted after a tweet announced that Associate Head Coach Chris Carrawell would be taking the reins for this important game. Even with this setback, the Blue Devils continued their strong performance this season, boasting an impressive record of 11 wins and only 2 losses.
Duke’s Strong Season So Far
This season has been quite exciting for Duke basketball, as they are currently enjoying a seven-game winning streak. They’ve only lost twice, once to Kentucky and once to Kansas. The team is performing well, with their defense holding opponents to an average of only 59 points per game. These statistics showcase why many fans and analysts have high hopes for the team’s potential in the upcoming games.
Impact of Scheyer’s Absence
While it’s always challenging to lose a head coach, Scheyer’s illness is believed to be temporary, and he is expected to return for the next game against the University of Pittsburgh on Tuesday. This means that fans won’t have to wait long to see him back on the sidelines. In his absence, Associate Head Coach Carrawell stepped in well, leading the team during this critical competition.
Upcoming Games and Expectations
Duke’s next game against Pitt is a key matchup, as the Blue Devils look to maintain momentum and improve their standings further in the league. Fans are excited to see Scheyer back and hope for continued success. With Scheyer’s guidance, the Blue Devils aim to channel their current energy into victories as they prepare for the next challenges on their schedule.
Meet the Players
Duke’s young star, freshman Cooper Flagg, has been dazzling audiences with his performance, averaging about 16.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His skills have added a significant boost to the team’s overall effectiveness on the court. Meanwhile, SMU is also bringing their A-game, averaging 87.2 points per game with key players like Boopie Miller, who is spotlighted for his impressive averages this season.
Game Details and Highlights
- Date: Saturday, January 6th
- Opponent: SMU Mustangs
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Broadcast: The CW Network
This game marks a significant moment as it is Duke’s first matchup against SMU in over 47 years, making it a thrilling event for the team and fans alike. Being part of a storied college basketball tradition, Duke’s games are always highly anticipated and full of action. With both teams coming into the game with strong performances so far this season, viewers can expect an exciting showdown.
What’s Next for Duke?
As the season progresses, Duke basketball fans are looking forward to the positive impact Jon Scheyer will likely have upon his return. The team’s current form suggests that they are poised for an exciting season ahead, aiming for high stakes in the ACC and beyond. With strong player performances and an established strategy in place, success seems just around the corner as they gear up for more crucial games.