Duke basketball is back in ACC action after a dominant performance at Madison Square Garden. The No. 3 Blue Devils (24-3, 15-1 ACC) will take on the Miami Hurricanes (6-21, 2-14 ACC) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN.
This Duke vs Miami matchup looks lopsided on paper, with the Blue Devils sitting at the top of the ACC standings while Miami is struggling at the bottom. Duke is coming off an overwhelming 110-67 win over Illinois, and they’ll look to keep the momentum going in Coral Gables.
The Blue Devils have historically performed well against Miami, holding a 27-10 all-time record in the series. That includes a 10-7 record on the road in Coral Gables. The last time these two teams met on January 14, Duke dismantled the Hurricanes 89-54 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Can Miami put up a fight this time, or will Duke continue its dominant stretch? Let’s break down the key players, trends, and make a Duke vs Miami score prediction.
Kon Knueppel’s Scoring Surge for Duke Basketball
One of the biggest storylines heading into Duke vs Miami is the emergence of Kon Knueppel. The Duke freshman had a career night in the first meeting between these teams, scoring 25 points on just 11 shots in 26 minutes of action.
Knueppel has continued to shine recently, averaging 16 points per game in Duke’s last two matchups while shooting an impressive 54.2% from the field. Against Illinois, he finished with 15 points on nine shots, proving once again how efficient he can be.
His ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently makes him a key weapon for Duke in this Duke vs Miami showdown. If he keeps up this level of production, Miami’s defense could be in serious trouble.
Isaiah Evans Heating Up from Three-Point Range
Duke freshman Isaiah Evans has hit his stride at the perfect time. Over the last two games, he has scored 17 points in back-to-back outings, marking his best offensive stretch of the season.
Evans has been lights out from three, making 8-of-11 attempts (72.7%) during this stretch. This is a significant jump in efficiency, considering he had made just four threes in the previous seven games combined.
The timing of Evans’ hot streak couldn’t be better, as Miami has the worst three-point defense among high-major teams, allowing opponents to shoot 38.7% from beyond the arc. If Evans stays aggressive from deep, he could be a major X-factor in Duke vs Miami.
Duke’s Playmaking: Cooper Flagg & Sion James Lead the Way
One of Duke’s biggest strengths this season has been its ball movement. Even without a traditional point guard, the Blue Devils are excelling at setting up open looks thanks to Cooper Flagg and Sion James.
In the win over Illinois, Flagg and James combined for 11 assists as part of Duke’s season-high 28-assist performance. Over the last three games:
- Flagg has recorded 13 assists with just 2 turnovers.
- James has posted 15 assists with only 2 turnovers.
Because of their contributions, Duke vs Miami will showcase one of the most efficient passing teams in college basketball. The Blue Devils are on pace to record their highest assist rate in 73 years, assisting on nearly 60% of their made baskets this season.
Look for Duke’s unselfish play to be a key factor against Miami’s struggling defense.
Duke vs Miami: Can the Hurricanes Keep Up?
Miami has struggled mightily in ACC play, ranking last in the conference standings. They have lost five of their last six games, with defense being their biggest issue.
The Hurricanes have allowed opponents to score 80+ points in six of their last nine games, and their inability to defend the three-point line has been a major problem. Given Duke’s elite offensive efficiency, Miami will have a tough time slowing down this high-powered attack.
Duke vs Miami could turn into another blowout if the Blue Devils execute at the same level they did in their last game.
Duke vs Miami Score Prediction
This Duke vs Miami matchup looks like another opportunity for the Blue Devils to flex their dominance. With Miami’s defensive struggles and Duke’s elite offense firing on all cylinders, expect a comfortable win for Jon Scheyer’s squad.
Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Isaiah Evans should all have strong performances, while Duke’s defense will likely suffocate Miami’s offense. The Hurricanes might put up a fight early, but Duke’s talent and depth will overwhelm them.
Final Score Prediction: Duke 90, Miami 65
With another dominant win, Duke will continue proving why it’s one of the best teams in the country.
What are your thoughts on Duke vs Miami? Will the Hurricanes make it a competitive game, or will the Blue Devils cruise to another victory? Let us know in the comments!