The Nutshell by Rob CloughDuke played one of its best games of the year against Bucknell, achieving
virtually every team goal on its way to a 43-point victory. The Bison had just
recently given Penn State a tough game at home, and they had decent quickness,
perimeter scoring and a solid post scorer in Hope Foster. The Devils smothered
Foster inside, holding her to just 2 points and forcing 4 turnovers. Duke's
posts combined for 45 points and 24 rebounds as the Devils were an impressive
+25 on the boards for the game. The stat of the game was quite possibly this:
Duke had 33 offensive rebounds, while Bucknell had 32 total rebounds. Duke's
pressure defense was the most effective it's been all year, forcing 32 total
turnovers and 20 steals. The press was so effective because the Devils did a
much better job of creating offense out of defense in this game, with 40 points
off turnovers. There was nice balance between perimeter and post, as all five
starters scored in double figures and every starter had at least 2 assists.
The bench rebounded strongly and played strong defense down the stretch, never
letting Bucknell outwork them (something that didn't happen against Utah Valley
State). Duke shot reasonably well (44%), kept their turnovers down (12) and
committed just 8 team fouls. All told, it was one of Duke's cleanest, most
efficient efforts of the year. The Devils got better this week, and it is
hoped that this will continue over the holiday break and into the new year.
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