Duke secured their second consecutive victory on Saturday afternoon, employing a well-rounded offensive strategy to overcome Boston College with a final score of 80-65.
In this game, all five starters for Duke reached double-digit points, a feat accomplished for only the second time this season. Leading the charge was sophomore Mark Mitchell, who contributed 17 points and seven rebounds. Additionally, freshman Jared McCain achieved his third double-double of the season, scoring 11 points while leading the team with 10 rebounds and providing five assists without any turnovers. McCain, standing at 6-foot-3, showcased his prowess on the boards, marking his third game with double-figure rebounds in the last four outings.
Preseason ACC Player Of the Year Kyle Filipowski scored 16 points while adding three assists.
The Blue Devils won the rebounding battle, 38-33. Duke is now 13-0 this season when out-rebounding its opponent while the defense held Boston College to 65 points, 10.7 points below its season average of 75.7.
Following the win, both Filipowski and Mitchell met the media to recap the performance and to look ahead to Monday against Wake Forest.
SOPHOMORE CENTER KYLE FILIPOWSKI
“We did a good job getting the lead, coming out strong in the first half, but then we kind of were letting up a little bit. We gave them the lead back and then the last three minutes, we did a good job – we worked on that in practice – of just not letting up those last three minutes of the first half, putting ourselves in a good position going into the second half. We did that, but we can still do a much better job from what we showed today. Coming out [strong] in the first four minutes of the second half really gives your team a big boost for the rest of the game, so that’s what we tried to do.”
On Duke’s strong defensive performance today against Boston College center
“You saw a lot of [double-teams] throughout the game on him. That was one of our main priorities on the defensive end, and I think we did a really good job all around, just rotating, being in the spots we should be, really getting the ball out of his hands and making him uncomfortable.”
On the similarities between the quick turnaround (vs. Wake Forest on Monday) and the NCAA Tournament:
“Coach [Jon] Scheyer was saying great win, and, obviously, we did a lot of good things and we can learn from a lot, but we won it and now we’re getting ready for the next game, on to the next game, just because of that type of position we’re in. It’ll be good for us, in that mindset, to kind of be in that position for when it matters most in March.”
On what will be most important as Duke prepares for the quick turnaround and matchup against Wake Forest:
“I think just taking care of ourselves, taking care of our bodies, just making sure we’re being responsible with how we’re treating ourselves, and locking in mentally as well. There may not be much physical stuff going on, but we have to lock in mentally because we’ve got to get the game plan down, we have to make sure we’re on the same page, and then when the game time comes, we’ve got to just throw ourselves all in there, give ourselves 100% effort, things like that.”
SOPHOMORE FORWARD MARK MITCHELL
When asked if he thinks this Duke team has a killer instinct:
“I think we have it. I think every team has somewhat of a killer instinct. I think we have a lot of talent, a lot of pieces, so I think when we’re going, it’s something that a lot of teams can’t match up with. I think once we get going and clicking on offense, no one can match up with us, so if that’s a killer instinct, then I think we have it.”
On the improved play of Sean Stewart:
“I’m really happy for him. It helps me a little bit to get a little rest. He’s coming in, he’s been working each and every day. We’ve been working out together, so just seeing the work he’s been putting in translate is really good – and good for our team. When you can come in and punch it in different ways and have different energy, with the energy he brings and his athleticism, no one can do what he can do. Having him on the court in certain spurts and certain times is really good for us.”
On the upcoming matchup against Wake Forest:
“I haven’t watched much of Wake Forest, but I know Steve Forbes is a great coach. I’ve been playing against Hunter Sallis since I was about 16 years old, him being from Omaha, me being from Kansas City. I’ve known about him before he was a top-ranked recruit or anything, so seeing him play the way he is, coming from Gonzaga, really I’m happy for him. Having someone from the Midwest be able to revive their career and be one of the best players in the country is good to see. But I’m going to lock in on the scouting [report] and see what we have the next few days.”