The first half of this game saw Duke go through some growing pains against Siena but still managing to end the half with a 44-27 lead. Grayson Allen paced the Devils in the first half with a 20 point outburst while the rest of the Devils only managed 27. Grayson scored the ball from all over the floor and with reckless abandon.
Where Duke did struggle was from beyond the arc only going 3 out of 14 from range. Duke started to pull away near the end of the half by driving the ball and drawing contact. Duke was 13 for 16 from the charity stripe in half number 1.
Duke would eventually overwhelm Siena with talent but still showed the tell-tale signs of youth with missed assignments on defense and a bit of questionable shot selection. There are obvious difference between this year and last years team. This team, unlike last years team will depend more on its upperclassmen and holdover players and that showed in this game. Grayson Allen added 6 in the second half to lead all scores, Grayson also pulled down 5 rebounds. Duke also got a mans effort from senior forward Amile Jefferson who went 7-9 for 19 points and also pulled down 12 rebounds. Unlike in Dukes earlier pre-season games senior Marshall Plumlee was not a factor offensively in the scoring column but did have 2 assists as did Jefferson. Plumlee also pulled down 9 rebounds.
There were issues that Duke will need to iron out in these early contests. As good as Duke did look on defense there were times at which Duke seemed to be out of sorts and especially on in-bounds plays – out of position. Coach K will never tell guys not to shoot the ball but on occasion Duke resigned itself for 3 point shots when the best move would have been to get into an offensive flow.
There were plenty of teachable moments for Duke to work with an coaches to pick apart. Next up for Duke is Bryant tomorrow.
