**Duke Overcomes Slow Start, Beats Army**

mnccertified

You need 2 min read

·

Post on Nov 09, 2024

41 visitor like this post

Share

Duke Overcomes Slow Start, Beats Army in Hard-Fought Victory

Durham, NC - The Duke Blue Devils, despite a sluggish start, ultimately prevailed over the Army Black Knights in a closely contested game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday. The final score, 71-65, reflects a game that was anything but easy for the Blue Devils.

A Slow Start and a Tight First Half

The first half saw Duke struggle to find their rhythm offensively. Army, playing with a disciplined defense, kept the Blue Devils off balance and forced them into several turnovers. The Black Knights were efficient on offense, making good use of their size advantage inside. The half ended with Army holding a slim 30-28 lead, leaving the home crowd feeling uneasy.

Second Half Surge and Clutch Plays

The second half saw a more determined Duke team. They tightened their defense, limiting Army's scoring opportunities and forcing them into uncomfortable situations. Kyle Filipowski, the Blue Devils' star center, led the charge with a dominant performance. His presence in the paint was a force to be reckoned with, and his scoring prowess was instrumental in pushing Duke ahead.

Despite a valiant effort from Army, Duke managed to extend their lead in the final minutes. Jeremy Roach, the Blue Devils' experienced point guard, displayed his composure and leadership, making key baskets and distributing the ball effectively. The Blue Devils, thanks to their improved defense and timely scoring, secured the victory, leaving the crowd ecstatic.

Key Takeaways

• Duke's Defense: While the offense struggled early on, the Blue Devils' defense ultimately proved to be the difference maker. Their ability to clamp down on Army in the second half was crucial to their victory.
• Filipowski's Dominance: The sophomore center was a force inside, scoring efficiently and controlling the paint. He was the driving force behind Duke's second-half surge.
• Roach's Leadership: The senior guard demonstrated his veteran experience, making clutch plays and guiding the team to victory.

Overall, the game highlighted Duke's ability to overcome adversity and find a way to win. Their defense, Filipowski's scoring prowess, and Roach's leadership were key factors in securing the victory. While the slow start was concerning, the Blue Devils showed their resilience and determination, proving once again that they are a team to be reckoned with.

Keywords: Duke Blue Devils, Army Black Knights, Kyle Filipowski, Jeremy Roach, Cameron Indoor Stadium, College Basketball, NCAA Basketball, Basketball Game, Second Half Surge, Clutch Plays, Defense, Offense, Victory, Resilience