Mike Krzyzewski uses analogy to criticize Duke's focus following Virginia loss

Following a blowout victory over UNC in Chapel Hill on Saturday, Duke was riding high as the Blue Devils returned home to face Virginia on Monday night. But it was Virginia that walked away victorious, thanks to a three-point basket by Reece Beekman with three seconds on the clock to take a 69-68 lead. Following Duke’s loss to Virginia, head coach Mike Krzyzewski made an incredible analogy when discussing the competition at this point in the season.

Duke shot 42.3% from the field, compared to 47.7% from Virginia. The Blue Devils made 35.3% from beyond the arc compared to just 16.7% (two made baskets) from Virginia, but the Cavaliers hit the big one at the end of the game.

Krzyzewski thought that Duke fought back from struggles to be in a position to win against Virginia, but two bad plays at the end were too much to overcome.

“We put ourselves in a position to win,” Krzyzewski said after Duke’s loss to Virginia. “We just made two bad plays. Two really bad plays, one on offense and one on defense and that’s all it takes. And they made plays.”

Even though Duke fought back and had a chance to win against Virginia, Krzyzewski made it clear that the Blue Devils were “not worthy” of winning on Monday night.

“It’s a tough loss because of how it ended,” said Krzyzewski. “But we were not worthy of winning most of the game. We finally got the lead and had an opportunity. But they’re good. What my guys don’t understand is these teams are fighting for NCAA (Tournament) bids. And they have such a rich tradition. I mean they’re an outstanding program and they’re playing really well.”

Krzyzewski after Virginia loss: Duke has to ‘be hungry’

Duke is 19-3 on the season and 9-3 against ACC opponents. The Blue Devils have essentially locked up a spot in the NCAA Tournament at the end of the season. But most of the teams remaining on Duke’s schedule are still fighting for a bid and a chance to partake in this year’s March Madness.

Knowing that Duke’s opponents, including Virginia, will likely have more to play for when it comes to postseason selection, Krzyzewski knows that the Blue Devils have to maintain the same level of “hunger” that everyone else has this time of the year. On Monday, Virginia was hungrier.

“Teams are hungry. We’ve got to be hungry after we’ve eaten,” added Krzyzewski. “We got a big meal, we’ve got to be hungry again. I think they were hungrier and tougher than we were tonight. No question.”

Duke has eight games remaining on its regular season schedule. The Blue Devils hit the road two more times this week with a trip to Clemson on Thursday and another one to Boston College on Saturday.