College Basketball
Duke’s Non Conference Schedule Predictions: Part Four
The Opponents
These are the final two games of Duke’s non conference schedule. Live from Madison Square Garden on December 20th, Duke takes on the Texas Tech Red Raiders. After the Blue Devils matchup with the Red Raiders, they begin conference play. As of now, the ACC conference schedule has not been released. After a stretch of ACC play, Duke matches up with St. Johns on February 2nd at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Texas Tech
A year ago, the Red Raiders of Texas Tech were a common pick for people to win the National Championship. This time around, that is extremely unlikely. Though they will be a likely NCAA Tournament team, they will probably land at an 11 seed and participate in a play in game at best if they are able to make it. Coming into this season without both Keenan Evans and Zhaire Smith, who headed to the NBA. it will be tough early on. They do, however, return multiple contributors from a year ago in Jarrett Culver and Davide Moretti. On top of the returning contributors, Head Coach Chris Beard was also able t land highly touted transfer Matt Mooney, who played this past season at South Dakota. A solid team, it is likely that they will struggle with the absence of their two best players from a year ago.
Prediction:
Duke: 85
Texas Tech: 71
St. Johns
A year ago, St. Johns played Duke in New York. At the time, they were in the midst of an eleven game losing streak. They beat Duke, who struggled mightily from the free throw line, 81-77. They then knocked off #1 Villanova. Aside from that two game stretch, St. Johns was abysmal. This year, the outlook is far brighter. With their far and away best player, Shamorie Ponds, returning, they have the opportunity to win a ton of games. They are a contender in the Big East and a team many should consider making the NCAA tournament. Although St. Johns will be a really good team, they won’t be able to beat Duke on the road.
Prediction:
Duke: 85
St. Johns: 78
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