Duke Matches Historically Low Scoring Mark in Loss to Tennessee

It was a day to forget for the Blue Devils.

Duke's run in the NCAA tournament came to a disappointing end on Saturday during the round of 32. The Blue Devils were defeated 65-52 by Tennessee during the second round of play, having failed to kickstart the offense throughout the 40 minutes.

It ended up being a historic loss for Duke, as the Blue Devils’ 52 points were tied for the lowest mark in an NCAA tournament game in program history, and their fewest in 43 years, according to ESPN Stats and Info. 

It was their joint-lowest scoring output in a game at the Big Dance since 1980, in a game which they won against Pennsylvania.

Duke scored just 52 points in its loss to Tennessee, tied for its fewest in an NCAA Tournament game in the program’s history.

Duke scored 52 in a win against Pennsylvania in 1980. pic.twitter.com/wkfe3dcl4x

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 18, 2023

Duke shot 42.9% from the field and a dismal 27.9% (6-for-22) from three-point range, unable to generate consistency in their offense throughout the game. Additionally, the Blue Devils only got to the foul line seven times, compared to Tennessee who attempted 13 free throws. 

Meanwhile, the Volunteers shot 9-of-21 (42.9%) from three-point range and forced 15 turnovers in the win. 

In terms of bench scoring, Duke had just two points from non-starters, while the Vols were able to rely on their second unit for 14 points in the win. 

Olivier Nkamhoua’s hyper-efficient 27-point game (10-of-13 from the field) was ultimately the deciding factor in this one, as Tennessee’s star forward had the hot hand that Duke sorely lacked throughout the night.