Arizona vs Duke. Instant Classic, and it is only November.
Arizona traveled to Durham North Carolina to face the Duke Blue Devils in front of their “crazy” fans. While the “crazies” were in full force, a tight 8 man rotation for the Wildcats succeeded in getting the win.
All five starters for Arizona scored 11 to 14 points, a barrage of consistency. While the two headed monster of Jeremy Roach and Kyle Filipowski shouldered most of the load for Duke.
This game was an on the edge of your seat barn burner the entire time. The largest lead for either side was 8. This game felt like it was tied the entire time.
Duke Come up Short
The effort and execution was there for the Blue Devils. Outside of Filipowski and Roach the team struggled to shoot from behind the arc, just 2-13 combined.
However the game was lost in two areas often overlooked by most. Arizona grabbed 15 offensive rebound in rout to out rebounding Duke by 12 boards. Dominating the paint and getting to the free throw line helped Arizona gain the tight win even through a Duke run late.
Kyle Filipowski scored 25 points on 10 for 20 shooting and grabbed 8 rebounds. Jeremy Roach added in 17 points to go with his 3 rebounds and 3 assist.
Duke will need a third scorer to consistently put up double digits. As well as team rebound better, overall the talent is there, this Duke team is dangerous.
Arizona Pass it Around
All five starters scored in double digits for the Wildcats last night. An impressive feat of poise and every body being prepared and ready for the moment.
Tommy Lloyd should get some credit for that. Tightening his rotation to 8 players for tonight’s game, treating it like a must win. He knew who was ready and he sent a loud message to the rest of the team, this is what it takes to play at this level.
Moves like this are how you build a winning culture and become a winning program. Going into Duke and performing the way these players did only proves that statement.
Keshad Johnson led the way with 14 points and tied for most rebounds on the team with 8. Oumar Ballo grabbed 5 rebounds and scored 13 points. Kylan Boswell and Pelle Larsson both scored 12 points, Boswell also dished out 5 assist and grabbed 8 boards, Larsson grabbed 6 rebounds of his own. Caleb Love scored 11 points on 3 for 10 shooting, then waved goodbye to the Cameron Crazies.
Rowan Donaghey, Sports Reporter and Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can follow him on the X via @RowanDonaghey
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