No. 3 Duke plays its final home game of the season Tuesday night against Virginia Tech at 7 p.m.
The night also marks senior night for the Blue Devils, who are led by three senior starters in Seth Curry, Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee.
Here are the three keys to tonight's action:
Can the Hokies find a way to stop the three?
The Blue Devils cruised to an 88-56 victory against Virginia Tech earlier in the season, hitting 12-of-17 3-pointers in the game. Curry led the way, going 5-of-6 from deep. Rasheed Sulaimon added a 3-of-4 performance as every Blue Devil who took a 3-pointer hit a 3-pointer, each finishing with a clip of at least 50%. Virginia Tech, by contrast, hit just 1-of-16 from beyond the arc. And that performance came without Duke's best 3-point shooter, Kelly, who returned to action Saturday against Miami with a 7-of-9 performance from beyond the arc. Also don't underestimate Kelly's ability on the defensive end. If the Blue Devils shoot that well again, the Hokies will be hopeless.
Will Duke repeat its performance on the boards?
One of the most talked about struggles of this year's Duke team has been its issues on the glass, but the Blue Devils outrebounded Virginia Tech 32-23 in the first meeting. That included nine offensive boards for the Blue Devils. Again, that happened without Kelly. Plumlee led the way with 12 rebounds in that contest, though they can't focus in on him too much this time with Kelly back in the fold. This is the one weakness the Hokies must exploit. Shooting performances can vary but rebounding is often about hustle, focus and instinct.
Good senior speeches
Even if Duke loses, Curry, Kelly and Plumlee will likely address the crowd after the game. Last year, Duke's lone senior was Miles Plumlee, who gave an emotional address to the Cameron Crazies, even after the Tar Heels creamed the Blue Devils en route to the ACC regular season title. Curry, Kelly and Plumlee have had exciting careers in Durham. They were all a part of the 2010 national championship team—even if Curry couldn't play that season as a transfer. Plumlee got to play on a college team with both of his brothers—last year with both of them. And everybody should know what this year has meant to Kelly, especially after Saturday's game.
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