The chase continues for history as Mike Krzyzewski looks to win his 1,000th career game today as the Duke Blue Devils take on the St. John's Red Storm in ACC College Basketball action. The game is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on FOX. Currently the Betting Odds for the game have Duke favored by a small margin in this one.
It somehow seems fitting that Krzyzewski will have an opportunity to win his 1,000th career game at the world's most famous arena in New York City. The St. John's Red Storm will be hosting Duke at Madison Square Garden as Steve Lavin and his team look to avoid being the answer to a trivia question.
Duke comes into the contest ranked fifth nationally. A few weeks ago everyone was trying to figure out how Duke dropped two straight games, losing to both N.C. State and Miami — simply put, the Blue Devils just didn't play well. But a recent win in Louisville and a win at home over Pitt have the Blue Devils back on track and looking to continue rising. Krzyzewski's team comes in scoring 82 points a game, shooting 50 percent and getting fabulous play from their freshman monster Jahlil Okafor, a preseason All-American that is leading the Blue Devils at 18.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
St. John's was ranked in the polls and opened the season with an 11-1 record, but the Red Storm have struggled in Big East play, going just 2-4 in the last six games overall. They're led by D'Angelo Harrison and his 19.5 points and nearly six rebounds per game. Harrison is a pure scorer and will be matched up against some great defenders by Duke — and he could be the difference in the game. Harrison has been struggling to score, posting just 11 in each of his last two games.
The Red Storm bring four double-digit scorers per game into this one, but Duke is going to be a challenge with their defense. The Blue Devils are long and athletic, bringing four double-digit scorers themselves. Duke is very efficient, ranking fourth nationally in offensive efficiency and they score nearly 40 points per game inside the paint, ranking second best in the ACC and third best of power conference teams.
Look for Duke to pound the ball inside to Okafor and the gang. A big game from Quinn Cook and Justice Winslow will help them pick up this game over the Red Storm and give Coach Krzyzewski his record win.
Free Pick: Duke 74, St. John's 60
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