**No. 6 Duke Falls To Kentucky, Cramping A Factor**

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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No. 6 Duke Falls to Kentucky, Cramping a Factor

The No. 6 ranked Duke Blue Devils suffered a surprising 79-71 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, with cramping playing a significant role in the defeat.

A Battle of Strengths

The game was a clash of styles, with Duke's high-powered offense facing off against Kentucky's stifling defense. The Blue Devils entered the game averaging over 85 points per game, while the Wildcats boasted a defense that ranked among the nation's best.

Early on, it appeared that Duke's offense would be too much for Kentucky to handle. The Blue Devils shot over 50% from the field in the first half and built a double-digit lead. However, the tide began to turn in the second half as fatigue and cramping began to affect the Duke players.

Cramps Cripple Duke

"It's a combination of things," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski after the game. "We didn't get our legs back after halftime, and then we started to cramp up. It was tough to overcome."

Several key Duke players, including star freshman Paolo Banchero, were noticeably hampered by cramps in the second half. Banchero, who led Duke with 21 points, had to leave the game several times to receive treatment.

Kentucky Capitalizes

Kentucky, meanwhile, remained strong defensively and began to chip away at Duke's lead. The Wildcats also got a big boost from their own star freshman, TyTy Washington, who scored 28 points, including 14 in the second half.

"We knew they were going to come out strong," said Kentucky coach John Calipari. "We had to weather the storm and then take advantage of their fatigue."

Takeaways and Looking Ahead

The loss for Duke is a significant setback, but it's still early in the season. The Blue Devils have a talented roster and will likely be contenders in the ACC. However, the cramping issue is a concern that Krzyzewski and his staff will need to address.

Kentucky, on the other hand, is looking like a real force in the SEC. The Wildcats have a strong defense and a number of talented offensive players. With a win over a top-ranked Duke team, they have established themselves as a legitimate national contender.

The game also serves as a reminder that even the best teams can be vulnerable to fatigue and physical limitations. For Duke, the challenge is to find ways to prevent cramping from becoming a recurring problem. For Kentucky, the challenge is to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on their offensive opportunities. This was a game with implications for the rest of the season, and it's sure to be a talking point for basketball fans and analysts alike.