The Duke Blue Devils enter the Champions Classic ranked fifth in the nation at 4-0. They have played well throughout the season and are currently ranked number one on KenPom. Duke has the fifth best offense and ninth best defense analytically in the nation. However, Kansas is their biggest test of the entire season thus far. Here are 3 keys to the Duke vs Kansas Champions Classic matchup.
This will also be created with the expectation that Darryn Peterson will play because it is a huge game and the injury seems to be minor based on Bill Self’s press conferences.
3 Keys for Duke to Beat Kansas in Champions Classic
1. Keep Kansas Out of Transition
Kansas is 3-1 this season. Their one loss was to North Carolina in a game they were absolutely dominated in the second half. One of the key differences in Kansas’s three wins vs one loss is the transition game. Kansas thrived with many transition possessions in their wins but only had six total transition possessions in their loss. If Duke can hold Kansas to single digit possessions of transition then they will be in a prime position to win.
Part of this reason is because Kansas does not have a primary playmaker and their half-court offense can struggle when Darryn Peterson does not play.
