Duke men’s basketball continues its conference slate with a road game against Georgia Tech. The Blue Zone previews Saturday's contest with an overview and X-factors:
Overview
2023-24 record: 14-18, 7-13 in ACC
2024-25 record: 5-6
Head Coach: Damon Stoudamire
Series history: Duke leads 69-22
Last meeting: 84-79 Duke, Jan. 13, 2024
Georgia Tech enters its ACC matchup against Duke looking to build on the momentum from its recent victory against UMBC. The home win ended a three-game losing streak and showcased this team’s offensive potential.
The Yellow Jackets delivered an all-around performance against UMBC, with four players shooting 15 or more points. Sophomore Naithan George led the team as a key playmaker, scoring 14 of his 18 points in his second half to secure a tight 91-82 victory. The team shot an impressive 52.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, underscoring the precision this offense offers around the basket.
Throughout the season, Georgia Tech has adapted its lineup to address injuries and find the lineup that will allow it to start games ahead. Senior Lance Terry has stepped up as a key contributor following the injury to Javian McCollum, as freshman Jaeden Mustaf made a notable impact in his first career start, adding 15 points in the win against UMBC. Forward Baye Ndongo and senior center Ryan Mutombo have also been instrumental in putting up points and grabbing critical rebounds in the paint.
Although their most recent matchup revealed a strong offensive team, consistency on the court remains a challenge for the Yellow Jackets. During their three-game skid, turnovers were costly, with 41 giveaways limiting their ability to gain the momentum needed to win. Facing a disciplined and aggressive Duke defense, Georgia Tech will need to prioritize ball security, execute smart passes and maintain confidence and composure under pressure. If the Yellow Jackets can minimize mistakes and limit the Blue Devils’ ability to capitalize on inconsistencies, they will improve their chances of securing a win against a conference elite.
X-Factor
Duke: Maliq Brown
Following the Louisville game, Jon Scheyer said Brown had “the best hands of anyone I’ve ever coached.” For those who have watched the junior’s performance, the statement comes with no surprise.
The Syracuse transfer has brought a unique skill set that has transformed the team’s defense. Leading the Blue Devils in steals with 2.0 per game, Brown’s quick hands have been a constant disruptor, creating turnovers and giving his team the opportunity to capitalize in transition. With the junior on the floor, Duke’s defensive rating sits in the 97th percentile of NCAA Division I teams. This impact was especially evident against Louisville. Brown grabbed 11 rebounds, eight of those on the defensive end, which prevented the opposing offense from getting second-chance points and allowed Duke to take the lead. After that dominant performance, the Culpeper, Va., native sat out the Incarnate Word game due to a toe injury. However, he returned against George Mason, contributing one steal and five rebounds in his comeback.
As Duke prepares to face Georgia Tech, Brown’s presence will be critical to creating opportunities on both ends of the floor. The defensive rebounds and steals he can initiate will give the Blue Devils opportunities to take advantage of the Yellow Jackets in transition. With Brown back, Duke will have a defensive weapon capable of clinching another victory.
Georgia Tech: Lance Terry
After teammate Javian McCollum suffered a concussion against Cincinnati, Terry joined the starting lineup. The former sixth man has quickly become a key player for Georgia Tech, emerging as a game-changer on both ends of the court.
Leading the team in scoring with an average of 15.5 points per game, Terry is a threat beyond the arc and within the paint, confidently executing layups when opportunities present themselves. As a dual-threat, he brings the momentum to defense, forcing offensive opponents into a high-intensity game. With 1.2 steals per game, his relentless on-ball pressure disrupts opposing offenses to force turnovers and fuel fast breaks.
For Georgia Tech to pull off an upset against Duke, Terry’s ability to generate steals and convert them into quick points in transition will be crucial. His high basketball IQ allows him to exploit open shots on the perimeter and in the paint, making him unpredictable and difficult to defend. If Terry continues his standout play, Duke could find itself struggling, giving the Yellow Jackets a chance to claim victory against the Blue Devils.
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