Mitchell, McCain carries Blue Devils

Mitchell, McCain carries Blue Devils

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Mark Mitchell scored 11 of his team-high 15 factors within the first half and Jared McCain additionally put up 15 factors as No. 4 Duke pulled away from No. 13 Vermont’s upset bid for a 64-47 victory within the first spherical of the NCAA Match Barclays Heart on Friday evening.

The Blue Devils (25-8) chalked up two different gamers in double figures on an evening star Kyle Filipowski didn’t make a subject aim. Jeremy Roach added 13 factors and Tyrese Proctor dropped 13 factors with a trio of 3s.

For the Catamounts (28-7), Shamir Bogues (18 factors) and Aaron Deloney (14 factors) led the way in which for the three-time reigning America East champion.

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Listed below are 4 observations from the Duke win over Vermont.

Duke’s Mark Mitchell finds weak spot in Vermont protection

Mitchell’s uncontested dunks within the first half was a results of Duke discovering weaknesses in Vermont’s ball-screen protection. 

Mitchell, who had 11 first-half factors, was capable of roll to the basket and obtain entry passes from teammates to throw down straightforward slams and assist the Blue Devils construct an early 10-point benefit.

Mitchell made 4 of seven photographs within the first half.

Filipowski has quiet evening for Duke basketball

The manufacturing of Mitchell, plus well timed 3s from Proctor and McCain, was vital with Vermont blanketing Duke’s sophomore star middle, Filipowski, who didn’t supply up his first field-goal try till the 4-minute mark of the primary half.

Filipowski, although, didn’t power the problem within the opening 20 minutes. He handed out of double groups and, one such event, discovered McCain for a 3-pointer to stem the Catamounts’ momentum earlier than the break.

Filipowski, who had three first-half factors, completed with three factors on 0 of 1 taking pictures to go along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists and three blocks. He didn’t take a shot within the second half.

Fouls, missed free throws sink Vermont basketball’s upset possibilities 

Earlier than the 10-minute mark, Vermont coach John Becker obtained a technical for arguing with officers over a perceived miscall throughout a break within the motion. By the 9:40 mark, Duke was within the bonus and taking pictures free throws.

Nick Fiorillo picked up two early fouls and Ileri Ayo-Faleye was handed his third on the primary Duke possession of the second half. Quickly after Ayo-Faleye drew his third, Sammy Alamutu did the identical.

In a bodily sport with 17 whole fouls within the opening half, the Catamounts may ill-afford to fall behind. And to compound issues, when Duke did foul and ship Vermont to the charity stripe, the America East champion couldn’t take benefit.

The Catamounts had been 0 of three on the line within the first half and that included a pair of entrance ends on 1-on-1s. Duke, in the meantime, buried 11 of 16 foul photographs. For the sport, Duke took 29 foul photographs to Vermont’s six.

Veretto’s restricted minutes harm Vermont basketball’s depth

Matt Veretto noticed his first motion in 5 video games on Friday evening. However the senior ahead, battling a shoulder damage on his taking pictures arm, trekked out on the ground for lower than two minutes and didn’t provide a stat line.

Veretto’s effort was valiant, contemplating the damage, however with out his management and availability to shoot from the skin, the Catamounts needed to shorten their bench. Freshman ahead Seth Joba supplied six-plus minutes.

The Catamounts received to inside 50-44 with 7:26 to play on a Bogues’ nook 3. Then Duke answered with a 6-0 run to place the sport out of attain.

Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Comply with him on Twitter: @aabrami5.