Key Highlights
- No. 3 Duke and No. 19 Texas Tech face off in the SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden.
- Duke returns to MSG for their fifth top-25 opponent of the season.
- Cameron Boozer leads Duke with 23.3 points per game, ranking first nationally in scoring.
- David Shumate and John Roth will broadcast the game on the Blue Devil Sports Network.
No. 3 Duke to Face No. 19 Texas Tech in SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden
Saturday, December 20, marks a significant matchup when No. 3 Duke University men’s basketball team takes on No. 19 Texas Tech in the SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden (MSG). The game will be broadcasted by ESPN with Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas as commentators, while David Shumate and John Roth will host the Blue Devil Sports Network coverage.
Duke’s Season Highlights
The Blue Devils have already secured four top-25 victories this season, defeating No. 7 Michigan State, No. 15 Florida, No. 22 Arkansas, and No. 25 Kansas. With a current 11-0 start, Duke is on pace to achieve their best open-to-season record since the 2017-18 campaign.
Duke’s defense stands out with a field goal percentage of just .346 (national leader) and scoring defense of 60.8 points per game, ranking fourth nationally in this metric. The Blue Devils also lead in effective field goal percentage defense at 40.5%, further solidifying their defensive prowess.
Key Player Performances
Cameron Boozer is currently the nation’s top scorer with an average of 23.3 points per game, along with 10.2 rebounds per contest and six double-doubles. His performance has been nothing short of spectacular, making him a standout player for Duke.
Patrick Ngongba II also contributes significantly to Duke’s success, being the ACC’s third-leading shot blocker with an average of 1.6 blocks per game. He recorded his first career double-double against Lipscomb, adding 10 points and 11 rebounds to his repertoire.
Texas Tech’s Threat
No. 19 Texas Tech brings their own threats to the table, with JT Toppin averaging 21.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. The Blue Devils will face a formidable challenge as they aim to defend against these high-scoring forwards.
Historical Context
This matchup is particularly meaningful for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has a history of success at MSG. With 29 games under his belt (23-5 record), Scheyer will be looking to continue this trend as the Blue Devils aim for their ninth straight and tenth out of eleven wins in Madison Square Garden.
The game also marks the 62nd time Duke has played at MSG, with a winning percentage of .705. The venue’s rich history is set to witness another thrilling encounter between these two nationally ranked teams.
Upcoming Games and Challenges
Duke’s next games in NBA arenas include matches against Texas (Nov. 4), Arkansas (Nov. 27), and Michigan (Feb. 21). These venues present unique challenges, but with their current form, the Blue Devils are well-prepared to handle them.
Conclusion
The SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden promises to be an exciting contest between No. 3 Duke and No. 19 Texas Tech. As both teams bring their best, fans can anticipate a thrilling evening of basketball that will define the early season for these nationally ranked programs.
Stay tuned for updates as the game approaches, and don’t miss out on this pivotal matchup!