The second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (6–0) play host to the third-ranked Blue Devils (7–0) Tuesday night as part of the 13th annual ACC/Big10 Challenge.
Duke has shot their way to an undefeated record this season on the strength of their three-point shooting. Led by Seth Curry’s 16 for 28 shooting from beyond the arc, the Blue Devils are an amazing 61 for 133 from three-point land (45.9 percent) on the season.
In addition, Coach K’s squad boasts five players that average at least 10 points per game, while power forward Mason Plumlee averages a double-double (11.4 points and 10.0 rebounds) down low.
They'll need a great game from Plumlee to win Tuesday.
The Buckeyes boast one of the best low-post players in the country in 6'9” 280-lb Jared Sullinger— the preseason All-American averages 18.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game on the season after putting up similar numbers last year.
On the perimeter, Thad Matta’s squad has William Buford to keep defenses from sagging. Buford is near the equal to Curry from long distance (10 for 20 on the season) while scoring 17.7 points per contest. The 6'6” guard/forward hit a pair of threes on his way to a 21-point effort in their win against Florida earlier this season.
Prediction: The teams are very closely matched talent-wise. Ohio State may have the best player on the floor, but Duke might be a tad deeper. Home team gets the slight edge. Ohio State 72, Duke 69.
