The Duke men’s basketball team extended their non-conference home court winning streak to 98 games as they blew out Delaware, 88-50.
It never was close, even without Duke senior guard Seth Curry sitting out with an ankle injury. The Blue Devils held the Blue Hens scoreless for about a seven minute span in the first half, which increased their lead from 12-7 to 25-7. They led 45-19 at the half.
It was yet another big game for Mason Plumlee, as he recorded another double-double. He scored 18 points (13 in the first half) and hauled in 11 rebounds. He also blocked three shots. Ryan Kelly seemed to get his shot back, as he made 8-of-13 for 18 points.
The Blue Devils received some great guard play from both Quinn Cook and Tyler Thornton (who started in place of Curry). Though they only scored a total of 11 points, they dished out 16 assists to just four turnovers. They also combined for five steals. Thornton hauled in six rebounds.
Freshman Rasheed Sulaimon got into a bit of foul trouble, but rebounded from a slow first half (just five points and two turnovers) to score 14 points, haul in four rebounds, and dish out six assists. He did not commit a turnover in the second half.
However, this game was about the Duke bench, one that has not been used very often over the course of the season so far.
Freshman Amile Jefferson took just one shot in the first half (three points), but went 4-for-8 in the second half for a total of 12 points. He also hauled in six rebounds. He and Alex Murphy, who has barely played this season, played 21 minutes. Murphy went 4-for-5 in the second half for ten points. He also hauled in seven rebounds.
Josh Hairston couldn’t stay out of foul trouble, but still managed to haul in six rebounds. Having the big lead meant that Coach K got Todd Zafirovski into the game, to the delight of the Cameron Crazies. He scored his first points of the season (1-for-2), while also picking up a rebound and blocking a shot.
Devon Sadler of Delaware was averaging 21.4 points per game. He ended up scoring 23 points, but was 8-of-22 from the field. He had just eight points (3-of-11) at the half.
Next up for Duke is a much needed week off. They then travel up to north Jersey (the Izod Center to be more specific) to play the undefeated Temple Owls on Saturday.
