The Blue Devils open conference play tonight against Virginia, which they have beaten 18 straight times over 10 seasons. The Cavaliers (12-2) are hovering just outside the AP Top 25 after a hot start under first-year head coach, and former Duke player and assistant, Joanne Boyle. No. 7 Duke (9-2) snuck by Temple on the road in its first game after a 10-day layoff, and returns to Cameron Indoor Stadium for tonight's 7 p.m. game.
Projected starters
Virginia: G Ataira Franklin, G Ariana Moorer, G Lexie Gerson, F Chelsea Shine, C Simone Egwu
Duke: G Chelsea Gray, G Tricia Liston, G Richa Jackson, F Haley Peters, F Elizabeth Williams
1. Can Virginia perform outside its home state against top competition?
The Cavaliers have shown they can compete with the nation's best on their home floor, highlighted by an overtime win over then-No. 3 Tennessee. The team has played just four games outside the Commonwealth this season though, a stint that has included a 79-53 blowout loss to then-No. 24 Texas and a 59-50 loss to California. The Blue Devils are an undefeated 5-0 at Cameron Indoor Stadium this season.
2. Duke's backcourt is in a major state of flux
Shay Selby officially returned from her suspension against Temple on the same day the program announced Chloe Wells would sit out an unspecified amount of games while she resolved an unspecified academic matter. Selby did not play a minute against the Owls, and started all five games before her suspension. Wells is arguably a bigger loss, considering the sophomore is averaging 10. 4 points and four assists per game in a starting role. The losses put more pressure on remaining starter Chelsea Gray to orchestrate the offense.
3. A clash of playing styles
The Blue Devils have had success through the early season with a frenetic, stifling full-court press, which helps force an average of 25.5 turnovers per game. Virginia, on the other hand, prefers to play at a slower pace and has the best scoring defense in the conference, allowing under 50 points per game. If Duke can turn up the pace tonight and put the Cavaliers on their heels, it stands to open conference play on a high note.
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