Arizona Vs Duke 🏀 game discussion thread 11/10/23 at 5pm ESPN2

[WILD]

Arizona Vs Duke 🏀 game discussion thread 11/10/23 at 5pm ESPN2

The second game of the 2023-24 basketball season sends No. 12 Arizona on the road to take on No. Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Friday in one of the most anticipated early season matchups of the season. The game starts at 5:00 p.m. MST and will be televised on ESPN2 with Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas and Angel Gray on the call.

STARTING FIVE
1) The 2023-24 season marks the 119th year of men's basketball for the University of Arizona, and the Wildcats have an all-time record of 1,863-977.

2) In seven career games against Duke while playing for North Carolina, senior Caleb Love averaged 17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and shot 40% overall from the floor. In three games at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Love averaged 19.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 42.1% from the 3-point line.

3) Under Tommy Lloyd, Arizona is 11-4 against Top 25 opponents, including 4-1 vs. the top 5.

4) Arizona's last win over a Top 25 team on the road was March 1, 2022 at No. 16 USC. Its last win over a Top 5 team on the road was Jan. 21, 2017 at No. 3 UCLA. The last road win over a team ranked No. 1 or 2 was March 8, 2001 - a 1-point win at No. 1 Stanford.

5) Redshirt senior Oumar Ballo in on the Naismith Trophy preseason watch list as well as the NABC National Player of the Year preseason watch list. Caleb Love was also listed on the Naismith Trophy watch list.

SERIES VS. DUKE

• Arizona leads the all-time series with Duke, 5-4

• The Wildcats have won the last two meetings (2011, 2013)

• The only other time UA has played at Duke was Feb. 25, 1990 - a 78-76 loss

• Seven of the nine all-time meetings have been decided by less than 10 points. 

In a highly anticipated showdown, the Arizona Wildcats, showcasing a dominant 1-0 record with an offensive blitz, will face the equally impressive second-ranked Duke Blue Devils, also at 1-0. This matchup promises to be a collegiate basketball spectacle. Arizona, coming off a triumphant 122-59 home victory over Morgan State, will take on Duke, who displayed their prowess in a 92-54 home rout of Dartmouth. Both teams enter the game with solid stats and key players, making this a matchup where strategy and skill will be pivotal.

Arizona Wildcats: A Force to Reckon With

Arizona's offensive firepower is not just about scoring big; it's about how they achieve it. The team's 55.3 field goal shooting efficiency is a clear indicator of their proficiency in finding and making high-percentage shots. This level of accuracy is crucial, especially when facing teams that are defensively sound. Arizona's scoring distribution is noteworthy, with multiple players capable of stepping up on any given night. This depth is a significant advantage, keeping opponents guessing and unable to focus on just one or two key players.

On the defensive end, the Wildcats have been equally impressive. Allowing an average of only 59 points, their defense is a blend of agility and tactical acumen. They've shown an ability to disrupt their opponents' offensive flow, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities. This aspect of their game has been a cornerstone of their early success, and it will be critical against Duke's high-octane offense. Moreover, their rebounding strength, particularly on the defensive glass, has been vital in limiting opponents to one shot per possession.

However, the Wildcats will need to maintain their defensive intensity against Duke. The Blue Devils' efficient scoring and disciplined offense will test Arizona's defensive strategies. The key will be Arizona's ability to adapt mid-game, making necessary adjustments to counter Duke's offensive threats. Additionally, maintaining their composure and continuing to exploit their depth will be crucial, especially if Duke manages to slow down their primary scorers.

Duke Blue Devils: A Blend of Skill and Precision

Duke's formidable start to the season can be largely attributed to their exceptional shooting accuracy. Scoring 92 points with a 64.4 field goal percentage, the Blue Devils have demonstrated their ability to score from all areas of the court. This efficiency isn't just a reflection of good shooting; it also speaks to their shot selection and the team's ability to create open looks through ball movement. Duke's offense isn't reliant on just one player; they have multiple scoring threats, which makes it challenging for opponents to focus their defensive efforts.

Defensively, the Blue Devils have been just as effective, allowing only 54 points. This defensive solidity is a result of their disciplined approach to contesting shots and their ability to close out on shooters. They've also shown proficiency in rebounding, particularly on the defensive end, which limits opponents' second-chance points. Their ability to transition from defense to offense swiftly has been a key component of their game, turning defense into scoring opportunities.

The upcoming game against Arizona will be a true test of Duke's defensive capabilities. Arizona's offensive depth and ability to score from various positions will challenge Duke's defensive strategies. The Blue Devils will need to focus on disrupting Arizona's rhythm, possibly through increased pressure on the ball and strategic double-teams. Offensively, maintaining their shooting efficiency will be key, but they'll also need to be prepared for adjustments from the Wildcats' defense. Navigating this matchup will require Duke to demonstrate adaptability and resilience, especially if Arizona manages to put pressure on their key scorers.

BDU's Free Pick 
Considering the Blue Devils are at home, this matchup leans towards Duke. Their field goal percentage and defensive solidity at Cameron give them a slight edge. Arizona's offensive firepower looks like it'll be a force to be reckoned with and basketball is a game of surprises. Arizona's depth and ability to create turnovers could swing the game in their favor. I'm taking Arizona and the points.

This face-off between Arizona and Duke is more than just a game; it's a showcase of college basketball at its finest. With both teams bringing their A-game, expect a thrilling encounter that could go down to the wire.



Official 21 Page Digital Game Program
arizonawildcats.com/documents/2023/11/9/Notes-G2-atDuke.pdf

Duke is favored at -5.5 and the Over/Under is 153

Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Blue Devils!!

BEARDOWN!!!

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[KansasCityCats]

@cbbthrowbacks

 

Who has the best chance of posterizing Filipowski?  I'm assuming that Keshod and Pelle will throw it down at some point but I'd like to see Ballo do it with a man in his face. 

[Cactus🌵Cat]

I'm not sure if Pelle was just favoring the ankle injury or what but he seemed hesitant to dunk on a more than few opportunities vs. Morgan State in the first game.

[WILD]

https://twitter.com/ArizonaMBB/status/1722307659263807782

[|ᴘ|ʀ|ʏ|ᴍ|ᴇ|]

Are you old enough to remember when Arizona played on the road at Tennessee in 2021? Three of our starters fouled out and the other two had 4 fouls. The foul disparity was AZ - 28 to TN - 16.

They could be faced with that level of referee babysitting again if Duke can't get the job done on their own. I hope Tom goes full psycho and gets ejected if that's the kind of treatment we get.

[CatInFL]

Are you old enough to remember when Arizona played on the road at Tennessee in 2021? Three of our starters fouled out and the other two had 4 fouls. The foul disparity was AZ - 28 to TN - 16.

I remember it well. I almost went the game (the 9 hrs drive was just a little too much) and I'd have had front row seats. I remember thinking, "I'm glad I didn't go, I'd have needed someone to post bail." Awful officiating.

Are you old enough to remember when the Cats beat duke at McKale to extend their home winning streak?

[|ᴘ|ʀ|ʏ|ᴍ|ᴇ|]

Are you old enough to remember when the Cats beat duke at McKale to extend their home winning streak?

Was this in '87 or '91? I was either 4 months old or 4 years old at the time lol

[KansasCityCats]

Karl Hess gave me a warning in '09 Maui, shortly before he infamously tossed Miller. Talk about a ridiculous bias...

I feel like we somewhat avenged the disgusting calls from the 2001 Final Four when we slapped Dook in 2011 but I'd still feel better if we beat them in their own home in front of their little 5,000 capacity arena.

[arxpert]

Are you old enough to remember when Arizona played on the road at Tennessee in 2021? Three of our starters fouled out and the other two had 4 fouls. The foul disparity was AZ - 28 to TN - 16.

They could be faced with that level of referee babysitting again if Duke can't get the job done on their own. I hope Tom goes full psycho and gets ejected if that's the kind of treatment we get.

If Tommy lets that happen then I will write his candy ass up.

He won't sit back. I think we will win by ~20 going away. Just a feeling.

Maybe that's not what the script says / what the NCAA wants in a Home/Away series for Duke especially with Duke's class coming next season vs what Tommy threw together, but I think there are 2 keys to victory in play.

Either hold down Filipowski (put him in foul trouble with Ballo, Krivas, Keshad)
OR
Let Filipowski cook and shut everyone else down.

Game within the Game. Boswell has a task vs Proctor.

[WILD]

Caleb Love Will be the X-Factor in this game. This is a trap game for Duke and I believe this will showcase the reemergence of Arizona basketball  on a national stage. Duke fans have no idea how good we really are. I can't wait to see this battle of the Titans!