Duke Hosts Powerhouse Auburn in Anticipated ACC/SEC Challenge

Battletested check. Early season hiccups check. Bigtime showdown in Cameron Wednesday night check. The 9th ranked Duke Blue Devils host 2nd ranked Auburn in the ACC-SEC Challenge Wednesday night in a much anticipated matchup of powerhouses eyeing a national championship this season.

Auburn on the year has looked nothing short of a title contender, with a phenomenal performance in Maui winning the invitational, including wins over Iowa State, North Carolina, and Memphis over the last week.

Head coach Bruce Pearl has reiterated his teams ceiling after Maui's performance,

" We can play with anybody; we'll stay humble and hungry"

The Tigers have been led by All-American nominee Johni Broome who averaged 21,15, and 4 to help capture the Maui Invitational. Broome has the skillset to cause problems on the interior for the Blue Devils which will be a focal point for Khaman Maluach to stay out of foul trouble, prevent second chance points, and crash the boards.

The Tigers last played Duke in 2018 Maui invitational which was a 6 point loss.

Speaking of battle tested Duke, in losses against Kansas and Kentucky, both games came down to final possessions with the rock in the hands of Cooper Flagg who is the concensus number 1 pick in next years 2025 NBA draft. Those moments consisted of turnovers from the freshman, spearheading the Jayhawks and Wildcats to score on both ensuing possessions. That's not to say Cooper can't handle the big moment, but more of a learning experience for later in the season. In order for Duke to capture marquee wins it starts and ends at the point guard position.

For the Blue Devils to advance in March it starts with its guard play. Thursday night begins that challenge.