[9:32 PM] #21 Florida v. #5 Duke

Who will WIN this matchup?

#21 Florida Gators (7-1)

#5 Duke Blue Devils (8-1)

 

• The line for this game is Duke by 7 points.

• Duke is inching toward full strength just in time for one of the toughest tests of its non-conference schedule. The fourth-ranked Blue Devils should have nearly every weapon at their disposal when they take on No. 21 Florida on Tuesday in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.

• The Gators have had six different leading scorers in their first eight games, but sophomore guard KeVaughn Allen (12.4 points) has been their most consistent scorer, with guard Canyon Barry (12.1) contributing off the bench. Big men Devin Robinson (11.8 points, 5.6 rebounds) and John Egbunu (9.1, 7.5) have been productive, but the Gators had a tough time with Gonzaga’s powerful frontcourt and could have similar issues against Duke. Florida holds opponents to a respectable 40.5 percent shooting, but it will have to be much better than it has been at the defensive end to stay in the game with the Blue Devils.

• Even without the highly touted freshmen and with Grayson Allen (17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds) slowed by an injury, the Blue Devils have been impressive thanks to veterans Kennard (19.4, 6.8) and Amile Jefferson (14.7, 9.8). Kennard put up a career-high 35 points on 16 shots against Maine, while Jefferson scored a career-high 20. Tatum had 10 points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes and Bolden added seven and five in 12, showing a glimpse of what they can add when fully incorporated into the rotation.

• Duke has had five double-digit scorers in seven of its nine games.

• Barry needs 10 points to reach 1,000 in his career, including 893 scored in three seasons at College of Charleston.

• The Blue Devils have won four of their last six games at Madison Square Garden, but it was the site of their only loss this season – a 77-75 setback against Kansas in the State Farm Champions Classic.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: #5 Duke Blue Devils

Confidence: 7/10

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