The Atlantic Coast Conference’s premier offensive and defensive powerhouses are set to clash this Saturday when SMU plays host to No. 4 Duke in Dallas. With the Mustangs (11-2, 2-0 ACC) leading the charge in offensive prowess, averaging an impressive 87.2 points per game, the Blue Devils (11-2, 3-0) counter as the top defensive stalwarts, limiting opponents to a mere 59.0 points per contest.
This matchup marks a compelling narrative as these programs meet as conference rivals for the first time. The last time these teams faced off on the court dates back to the 1988 NCAA Tournament, where Duke emerged victorious with a 94-79 win over SMU in a second-round showdown.
Duke appears to hit its stride midseason as they head into the new year on a seven-game winning streak, highlighted by a commanding 23-point triumph over Virginia Tech on New Year’s Eve. Head coach Jon Scheyer exudes optimism about the team’s potential, expressing unwavering confidence in their abilities.
“The amount of talent in this room, the amount of selflessness in this room, it makes us feel like we can truly do anything. We’ve been gelling very well,” Scheyer stated. “It’s fun to play on this team because we know we have talent but, more than anything, we know we play together, and we play for each other — and that’s what makes a special team.”
Leading the charge for the Blue Devils is standout Cooper Flagg, demonstrating his prowess as a top player in the country with impressive averages of 16.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Additionally, Kon Knueppel, averaging 12.2 points, poses further challenges for SMU’s defense.
Conversely, for SMU, this anticipated matchup aligns with the caliber of competition they envisioned when joining the ACC. Coach Andy Enfield acknowledges the significance of facing a program of Duke’s esteemed status, emphasizing the need for preparedness.
“It’ll be a sold-out crowd and a sold-out arena with a lot of energy here,” Enfield remarked. “Duke is an exceptional team, and they have great players, and we have to be ready.”
Enfield underscores that the Duke brand speaks for itself, recognized as one of the nation’s elite programs for decades, a fact not lost on his players. SMU recently secured a 98-82 victory over Longwood, with Boopie Miller leading the charge with 24 points, reaffirming the team’s offensive prowess.
Miller, averaging 15.4 points per game, is one of five players on the Mustangs roster boasting double-digit scoring averages. Matt Cross has also emerged as a key contributor, averaging an impressive 18.3 points over his last three games.
“We’ve been shooting the ball well as a team,” Enfield shared. “We’re doing our part making
