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As the final seconds ticked down in the Demon Deacons' first win over Duke at home in more than ten years, the Blue Devils left defeated and short-handed. In Jon Scheyer's first conference away game, the Blue Devils were outplayed by a good Wake Forest Team that has started this season off hot.
The first-year head coach told the media after the game:
"They just got in our paint at will, and we need to be solid and guard the ball."
The Demon Deacons were more efficient offensively and outrebounded the Blue Devils on both sides of the ball. The Blue Devils came out lethargic and put themselves in too deep of a hole to dig themselves out of. A nine-point deficit seemed to be a gift for the Blue Devils, who should have been down fifteen if Wake Forest had made their free throws.
The English natives Cameron Hildreth and Matthew Marsh came to play and stepped up all evening for Wake Forest. Marsh finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and one assist and was an exceptional rim runner all game. Hildreth gave the Blue Devils fits all day with his craftiness.
The Demon Deacons are looking for their first ACC championship since 2006. Wake Forest haven't had many teams that have been this complete and well-rounded. Their three-headguard trio is complimented by top transfer and Arkansas-born guard Tyree Appleby. He finished with a game-high 18 points, eight assists, and four rebounds.
Appleby is a guard with an excellent pace and a good feel for the game. He is a three-level scorer that is excellent in the DHO and the pick-and-roll. He gave Duke guard Jeremy Roach fits all night. His energy is contagious, and this team has a lot of talent and confidence facing anybody in the country.
There is a team this season in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that has a chance to make some noise this season. They have a big matchup with a competitive Hokies team on New Year's Eve. After a battle-tested season in the ACC, this Demon Deacons team could find their way into the second weekend of the NCAA tournament.
What's next for Duke?
The Blue Devils were without five-star freshmen recruits Derek Lively and Dariq Whitehead. So there is light at the end of the tunnel once this Blue Devils team continues to be riddled with injuries this season.
Freshman Kyle Filipowski was again without his backcourt mate in Lively and struggled to be as effective as he has been this season, finishing the game with nine points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Jaylen Blakes came to play for the Blue Devils and tried to lead their comeback late in the second half.
Coach Snyder told the media after the game:
"He really guarded and gave us great energy."
The sophomore finished with 17 points, two rebounds, and three assists.
The Blue Devils should not panic after losing to a highly competitive team in their conference. However, they should recognize that the lack of energy they come out and play with is a recipe for disaster, as they have a very competitive schedule in the second half of the season. The Blue Devils will look to bounce back against the Florida State Seminoles on New Year's Eve at home.
