The Blue Devils will hope to end their downward spiral and pick up their first road win of the year Saturday afternoon at Wake Forest. The Blue Zone takes a look at a player from each team who could be the difference-maker in the game.
Duke: Guard Grayson Allen
After struggling mightily against both Miami and N.C. State, Allen will be relied upon to snap the Blue Devils out of their recent funk. A team that lives and dies by the 3-pointer, Duke has shot worse than 30 percent from deep during its last two games, and Allen’s performance is a big reason why.
One of the Blue Devils’ biggest threats from the perimeter, Allen has been unable to find the basket of late. The Jacksonville, Fla., native converted just 2-of-9 shot attempts against Miami Saturday, and he went 4-of-13 from the field in Duke’s most recent loss to NC State. In addition, Allen has now missed 11 of his last 12 attempts from beyond the arc.
In order for the Blue Devils to get back on track with head coach Mike Krzyzewski still out after back surgery, it is essential for Allen to climb back toward his 46.6 percent shooting percentage and 41.7 percent 3-point percentage from last year that made him the preseason favorite for national player of the year.
Wake Forest: Guard Keyshawn Woods
The Blue Devils have struggled to defend talented guards on the perimeter of late. Despite averaging more than 80 points per contest, Duke has been susceptible to teams that play patiently and move the ball.
Woods is an excellent secondary scoring option who doesn’t rush his shots. The Charlotte transfer is shooting better than 50 percent from the field on the season and 44.6 percent from beyond the arc. Despite struggling against Syracuse Tuesday, Woods has scored at least 18 points in two of his last three contests and has converted four of his last six attempts from beyond the arc. With the redshirt sophomore emerging as a consistent option for Danny Manning and the Demon Deacons, another solid shooting performance could be enough to lift Wake Forest past the struggling Blue Devils at home.
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Digital Strategy Director for Vol. 115, Michael was previously Sports Editor for Vol. 114 and Assistant Blue Zone Editor for Vol. 113. Michael is a senior majoring in Statistical Science and is interested in data analytics and using data to make insights.