The Duke basketball team’s defense during the first half of its 106-64 win over Virginia Union on Tuesday night mirrored that of last season’s squad, which ended up failing to reach its full potential due to its inability — or unwillingness — to stop opponents from being able to seemingly score at-will during stretches of seemingly every game.
Failing to get back in transition. Lacking urgency when stepping out to contest a three. Waving a white flag and stepping out of the way when the opponent drives to the hoop.
Those were lazy habits displayed by the freshman-laden Blue Devils before halftime in the first of their two exhibition games.