Jon Scheyer after beating Virginia Tech: 'We know what it takes to win'
Duke was able to split the season series against Virginia Tech following Saturday’s 81-65 victory over the Hokies. The win improved the young Blue Devils to 21-8 on the season, and first-year head coach Jon Scheyer has now led his team to three-straight ACC blowout wins.
“I don’t know if we are all of the way where we want to be, but we understand what it takes to win,” Scheyer said postgame. “In the beginning of the year, the value of every possession, the value of talking on switches, making the right kick or the right read. They’re used to it being just them scoring is always the best play. Now, teams have game plans and I also think that’s a huge thing for freshmen to adjust to.
“As you get into ACC play, people have different game plans against you. I think that is absolutely true for our group. Where we are right now, we are connected. Even the assists, take out some of those turnovers last couple of minutes, we were well over 2-1 [assists to turnovers]. Our offense is pushing it more and flowing into things and that’s how I want to play.”
With things clicking for the Blue Devils heading into March, Duke is one win away from going a perfect 16-0 at Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. Their record on the road (3-6) and against Quad 1 opponents (2-7) is hurting NCAA Tournament seeding, but they still find themselves ranked top-25 in the NET rankings with two games left until the ACC Tournament.
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A conference tournament win, or even a deep run would automatically put the Blue Devils in the national title conversation. We all know what Duke can do in March, and even with the coaching turnover from last season — it doesn’t look like the Blue Devils will be taking a step back from the national spotlight.
Before we get there, Duke will host NC State Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET live on ESPN, but it’s hard not to look ahead toward the season finale on the road against North Carolina. Both would be statement victories for Scheyer’s group heading into the postseason.