Blue Devil Country

Duke basketball threatening program record on defense

Jon Scheyer's first team could mirror his last as a Duke basketball player.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball threatening program record on defense
Duke basketball threatening program record on defense /
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If the season ended today, the Blue Devils would own a program record (since 1951) with the 59.0 points per game they've allowed thus far. Perhaps it's no coincidence that opponents' two lowest averages, 61.0 points in 2009-10 and 62.0 points in 2006-07, came against Duke basketball squads with Jon Scheyer in the backcourt.

It all starts with defense. That's been the message from the 35-year-old first-year Duke basketball head coach. And it seems Scheyer's players have listened.

Through 11 games, win or lose, the No. 15 Blue Devils (9-2, 1-0 ACC) have held each of their opponents below their current scoring average. And as the official account for Duke basketball stats tweeted on Thursday, the group has held six of those opponents to their season-low in the points department:

Rim protectors. Long-limbed lockdown stoppers on the perimeter. Sneaky ball swipers. Strong rebounders.

Yes, although many of the weapons are newcomers at the college level, it appears Scheyer has all the ingredients and the necessary buy-in from his guys to at least flirt with the record that he and the 2009-10 Blue Devils set on their way to the program's fourth of now-five national championships.

That said, 20 games remain for Duke in the regular season, including the bulk of its ACC slate.

Next on the schedule, though, is a home bout against the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (3-6, 0-0 Mid-Eastern) at 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday (ACCN).

RELATED: Predicted scores of every 2022-23 Duke game

The Hawks are averaging 62.0 points per game.

Chances are they score less than that against these Blue Devils.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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