virginia Tech-Duke men's basketball preview

Jackson Didlake

January 12, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. – All eyes around the ACC will be on No. 20 Virginia Tech on Tuesday night with No. 19 Duke in town.

The Hokies (9-2, 3-1 ACC) come into the contest after taking down Notre Dame 77-63 at home on Sunday. The victory came after Virginia Tech fell for the second time in the season in a 73-71 nail biter to Louisville.

On the other hand, the Blue Devils (5-2, 3-0) are coming off back-to-back victories against Wake Forest and Boston College. The wins came after Duke went half a month without any games due to COVID-19 issues within the program.

Duke will look to win its fourth straight game against the Hokies, but they might be without Jalen Johnson due to a foot injury. Johnson is averaging 11.5 points and 8.3 rebounds on 54.3% shooting. At 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Blue Devils announced that Johnson would be a game-time decision.

Duke’s Key to the Game: Stop the Three

The Blue Devils have been giving up 37.1% from three this season. The Hokies have relied on the deep ball in many of their victories this year. With a huge opportunity against Duke, if Virginia Tech can shoot well from behind the arc, it will put itself in a good spot to win.

Jalen Cone has been the player to watch in the last handful of games for Virginia Tech. Cone will be a huge factor if he can dial in. Additionally, Hunter Cattoor becomes another important player to watch if he can get going deep.

Virginia Tech’s Key to the Game: Shut Down Matthew Hurt

The biggest downfall for the Blue Devils early in the season has been their lack of experience. This is a time with three freshmen in the starting lineup. Matthew Hurt is the experienced member in the lineup.

Keve Aluma and Justyn Mutts will likely see the task of trying to slow down the sophomore. If Hurt gets going shooting, along with his rebounding ability, he could become a huge problem for the Hokies.

Duke Player to Watch: DJ Steward

Especially with the absence of Jalen Johnson, Duke is going to need a big game from DJ Steward. The freshman is averaging 14 points and five rebounds on 43.9% from the field. In a locker room full of first-year students, Steward has been the one to watch for Duke.

Steward is coming off a 21-point showing in the Blue Devils victory against Wake Forest. After starting a bit slow, Steward has double-digit points in all four conference games. He could be the key to victory for the Blue Devils.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Jalen Cone

Jalen Cone has come around strong for the Hokies this season. The sophomore guard is coming off 18 points against Notre Dame after putting up 23 points against Louisville. He is averaging 12.9 points on 42% from the field.

Cone has shown the ability to be the Hokies best ball handler in the last few games, while displaying his pure talent. He may be the option Mike Young and Co. rely on not just against Duke, but down the stretch this year.

Predictions:

Jackson: Virginia Tech 74, Duke 69

Chris Hirons: Duke 76, Virginia Tech 69

Game Details:

No. 19 Duke (5-2, 3-0 ACC) at No. 20 Virginia Tech (9-2, 3-1)

Tipoff: 7 p.m.

Location: Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.

Television: ACCN