Duke Dominates First Half against #8 Tennessee

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 20: Patrick Ngongba II #21 of the Duke Blue Devils rebounds the ball while defended by Miles Rubin #25 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 20, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Getty

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 20: Deron Rippey Jr. #3 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a three point basket during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 20, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Getty

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 20: Dame Sarr #7 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 20, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Getty

Duke at half is currently up 54-30 against #8 Tennessee. They dominated the first half from start to finish, including a 15-0 run after it was tied 2-2. The Blue Devils have looked like the much better team. Tennessee attempted a run late in the half but couldn’t get closer than 20 points. If the second half is anything like the first, then Duke is heading into the regular season looking scary.

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Duke Dominates Defensively

GettyDURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 20: Patrick Ngongba II #21 of the Duke Blue Devils rebounds the ball while defended by Miles Rubin #25 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 20, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Duke’s defense looks scary, with the height and length of the Blue Devils giving Tennessee problems. The Blue Devils started two centers with three guards. The speed and quickness of the guards kept constant pressure on the Volunteers’ guards. If they got by, they had to meet the twin towers in the paint.

The defense of Duke is looking like it has a chance…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/duke-dominates-first-half-against-030539788.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-21 03:05:00

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