In their final out-of-conference test before conference games begin, the Blue Devils head to Philadelphia to take Temple Owls at the Wells Fargo Center. This is No. 5 Duke's second road test of the season - the team's lone loss of the season came in their first road game against Ohio State. After this game, the Blue Devils (12-1) and the Owls (9-3) kick off conference play in the ACC and Atlantic 10, respectively.
Projected Starters
Duke: G Tyler Thornton, G Austin Rivers, G Seth Curry, F Ryan Kelly, F Mason Plumlee
Temple: G Khalif Wyatt, G Juan Fernandez, G Ramone Moore, F Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, F Anthony Lee
1. Plumlees' time to shine
Temple's 6-foot-11 center Micheal Eric injured his knee four games into the season after proving to be an early-season force in the paint, averaging a double-double. 6-foot-9 forward Anthony Lee should be the one matching up against Mason Plumlee at tip-off, but at just 205 pounds, he may have trouble if Mason and Miles Plumlee assert themselves physically. The Owls' other starting forward, Rahir Hollis-Jefferson, is just 6-foot-6, so the Blue Devils have a definite size advantage in the paint they should look to exploit.
2. Can Temple's perimeter D shut down the Blue Devil backcourt?
The Owls have proven to be more like hawks at guarding the perimeter this season, holding opponents to a miniscule 25.6 shooting percentage from beyond the 3-point arc. Teams are averaging just 4.2 treys per game against Temple, a test for the Blue Devils who are averaging 8.4 3-pointers per game on 42.9 percent shooting from distance. Andre Dawkins, Seth Curry, Ryan Kelly and Austin Rivers are all averaging more than one 3-pointer per game and will need to work hard to get open against this Owl backcourt.
3. Is it time for more of the Q?
In Duke's last two games, freshman guard Quinn Cook has seen his most action of the season, playing a combined 45 minutes against Pennsylvania and Western Michigan. In those two games he averaged 11 points and 8.5 assists with strong defense. His defensive efforts in particular may be needed against the Owls, who feature three guards who know how to score. Ramone Moore, Khalif Wyatt and Juan Fernandez combine for 44.9 points per game, with each averaging more than one 3-pointer per game. Look for Cook to see extended action tonight, potentially at the expense of Dawkins, who could have trouble guarding these three offensive threats.
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