**Duke Dominates Army, Freshmen Star**

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Duke Dominates Army, Freshmen Star in Season Opener

Durham, NC - The Duke Blue Devils opened their season with a resounding 88-61 victory over the Army Black Knights on Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game was a showcase for the Blue Devils' talented freshmen class, who made an immediate impact in their collegiate debuts.

Freshman Duo Leads the Charge

Dariq Whitehead and Dereck Lively II, both highly touted recruits, led the way for Duke. Whitehead, a 6'7" wing, finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability. Lively, a 7'1" center, dominated the paint with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks, demonstrating his defensive prowess and offensive potential.

"It was great to see those guys come out and play with confidence," said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. "They're both talented players, and they're only going to get better."

Veteran Presence Provides Stability

While the freshmen stole the show, veteran guard Jeremy Roach provided a steady presence for the Blue Devils. Roach, a senior, scored 14 points and dished out 6 assists, demonstrating his leadership and court awareness.

"We have a lot of talent on this team," said Roach. "We just need to keep working hard and keep getting better."

Army Struggles to Keep Pace

Army, a team known for its disciplined offense and strong defense, struggled to keep pace with Duke's high-powered attack. The Black Knights shot just 37% from the field and were outrebounded by the Blue Devils 46-29.

Despite the loss, Army head coach Jimmy Allen saw positives in his team's performance. "We played against a very talented team," said Allen. "We need to get better at taking care of the ball and rebounding."

Looking Ahead

The victory is a promising start for Duke, who will face a challenging schedule this season. The Blue Devils will need to continue to develop their chemistry and improve their defense if they want to compete for a national championship.

Key Takeaways

• Duke's freshmen class made a strong first impression. Whitehead and Lively showed their potential and will be key players for the Blue Devils this season.
• Roach provided veteran leadership. His experience and playmaking ability will be crucial for Duke's success.
• Army struggled offensively. The Black Knights will need to improve their shooting and ball handling to compete against tougher opponents.

Overall, Duke's season-opening victory was a resounding success. The Blue Devils showed their offensive firepower and defensive intensity, and their freshman class appears to be a major asset. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, Duke has high hopes for the season.