College Basketball
Duke’s Non Conference Schedule Predictions: Part Two
The Opponents
In part two of Duke’s non conference schedule, they play in the Maui Invitational. Their first game coming against the San Diego State Aztecs on November 19th. The rest of the Maui Invitational games are not on the schedule, because your opponents are one of two potential teams. Predictions for the rest of Duke’s Maui games will come when their next opponents are known. Afterwards, Duke heads back to Durham for the ACC/Big 10 challenge where they will face Indiana on November 27th. Following their matchup with the Hoosiers, Duke plays Stetson at home on December 1st.
San Diego State
This past season, the Aztecs reached the NCAA tournament with a record of 22-10. They were slated as a 11-seed, matched up against Houston. The Aztecs ended up losing that game by 2 points in the final seconds. They return a large portion of their team, including a pair of incoming four star freshman. Returning sophomores, Mitchell and McDaniels, had big freshman seasons. If they are able tot take a leap forward, theres a real possibility that the Aztecs improve on last year in the upcoming season. Duke will have their hands full in the first round of the Maui Invitational against a really well coached team with a ton of returning talent. In the end, I think the young Duke team pulls away in the last ten minutes of the second half.
Prediction:
Duke: 82
San Diego State: 68
Indiana
Last season, Indiana was a middle of the road team. However, this season should be far different. Not only do they return their best player from a year ago in Juwan Morgan, they managed to land a top five class in the entire country. The freshman class includes #7 overall recruit Romeo Langford. The expectation for the Hoosiers is that Langford will lead the Hoosiers back to the NCAA tournament. Between the Langford led recruiting class, returning talent, and Archie Miller coached team, the Hoosiers will more than likely be a contender in the Big 10 and make the NCAA Tournament. Duke will have their hands full with the Hoosiers in Cameron Indoor, but in the end will have enough experience and talent to take down Romeo Langford led Indiana at home.
Prediction:
Duke: 85
Indiana: 79
Stetson
Coming off of a 12-20 season, the Hatters lose seven total seniors. With only two freshman on this years roster, Stetson will rely on their six sophomores and four juniors for the bulk of their teams production and. Being the only senior, Leo Goodman will likely be who Stetson gives the ball too more than anyone else. Abayomi IyIola, a sophomore, was a part ASUN all freshman team, will also be a threat to opposing teams. This is one of the weaker teams Duke will face, as Stetson is still looking for an identity in the hoops world.
Prediction:
Duke: 93
Stetson: 67
