Virginia Tech was a really valuable game for Duke.
First, the Hokies pushed the Blue Devils into unfamiliar territory with a small team that passed beautifully.
And they forced Duke’s three tallest players - Vernon Carey, Matthew Hurt and Javin DeLaurier - out of most of the game. The three combined for just 43 of 200 possible minutes, taking away a significant Duke advantage.
But Duke adapted and went small too. At times Jack White and Joey Baker were the tallest Blue Devils on the floor.
The Hokies moved the ball beautifully and rather than killing Duke on three point shots - they hit just 5-20 - kept getting inside for easy baskets.