Madison Square Garden played host to Duke versus Illinois on Saturday night, as the Blue Devils obliterated the Fighting Illini 110-67. The out-of-conference neutral-site game was a bit of an outlier for this stage of the season, but this fresh matchup excited fans. Despite the walloping by Duke, the game was entertaining and very informative for everyone filling out brackets in a few short weeks.
Takeaways From No. 3 Duke vs. Illinois
Cooper and Kasparas
The main event of the night was the matchup of likely first-overall pick, Cooper Flagg, and likely top-five pick, Kasparas Jakucionis. After all was said and done, neither of the top two prospects had a particularly exceptional night, but both performed well. Flagg finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists on 50 percent shooting, while Jakucionis poured in 14 points, seven boards, and six assists on 40 percent shooting.
In a day and age where so many observers focus solely on scoring ability, it is refreshing to see two prospects who are complete basketball players. Both play within the game by making the right play every time and not forcing anything. While they have both demonstrated the ability to put up impressive scoring performances, they excel at passing. They are selfless and always play hard; traits that allow their teams to thrive, even if they do not individually stuff the box score. Both are only 18 years old and have bright futures in the NBA.
Duke Passed the Test
Although Duke has dominated the ACC this year, is one of two teams to beat Auburn, and only has losses to Kentucky, Kansas, and Clemson, some onlookers were still skeptical about how this team stacks up with the other top teams. Playing in a weaker ACC potentially leaves the Blue Devils vulnerable to teams that face stronger competition on a weekly basis. Duke proved every doubter wrong as they trounced Illinois by 43 points!
This team has a handful of scoring options that allow them to thrive even if one star has an off night. Even more impressive, their defense suffocates opponents. Everyone who earns consistent playing time is 6’6” or taller, allowing them to seamlessly switch matchups and rotate quickly on defense. The combination of a potent offense and elite defense makes Duke a legitimate contender to win the NCAA tournament.
Illinois has Hope
After losing by 43, taking away anything positive seems farfetched. Yet, the Illini should still feel like they are a competitive team. They shot a dreadful 2-for-26 from three-point range in the game, despite creating some very clean looks. Coach Brad Underwood should like the opportunities his team created and believe that they will stand more of a chance if they make shots at even just an average mark. Moreover, illnesses and minor injuries ravaged the roster all season, and the team is only just getting healthier again. As players find their conditioning and form, the Illini might just hit their stride leading up to March Madness.
Bright Spot for College Basketball
Overall, the late-season matchup between two established programs in different conferences was fantastic for the sport. Despite the blowout, fans enjoyed watching the contest. The NCAA should implement these types of games more in the future. Conference play can begin one week earlier to allow teams to schedule one or two out-of-conference games in the middle to end of the season. Both schools benefit as these games are an enticing commodity for fans, and the matchups allow for teams to better prepare for the atmosphere of a March Madness game. This format seems like a no-brainer.
Main Image: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
