The Duke basketball players have become accustomed to blowout victories, winning each of their four games this month by at least 30 points and by an average of 44.5 points. But the December competition has instantly stiffened as the 10-1 Blue Devils face the 10-0 Texas Tech Red Raiders at Madison Square Garden.
This marks the first time the two programs have ever squared off. Entering the game, No. 2 Duke ranked fifth in the NCAA in average points scored (93.6). Meanwhile, No. 12 Texas Tech ranked first in average points allowed (51.2).
A team that loves to run against a team that loves to slow things down.