Blue Devils run off eight-game win streak in February
For the fourth time in the Coach K era, Duke ran through the month of February without a loss. The Blue Devils bounced back in impressive fashion following the setback against Georgetown in Washington, DC to win eight in a row (seven of which were conference games). The winning streak has left Duke atop the ACC with only two regular-season games remaining and in good position to receive a high seed at the NCAA Tournament.
The keys for the Blue Devils in most of the team’s wins this year, including the eight straight in February, have been great defense, rebounding, and togetherness. Said Coach K after the UVA win, “People know who we are – we are not a great team, we are a very good team that has won a lot of games… We are not going to just go out on the court and [have the other team say], ‘wow, they are going to kill us.’ We have to work together to make it happen, and that is why I like my team so much, because they have done that all year long.”
Duke in February
*In addition to 2010, Duke’s undefeated runs in February in the Coach K era came in 1986, 1999 and 2006.
*Duke was one of only four Top 25 teams to run the table in February, along with Kansas State, New Mexico, and Butler.
*During the February surge, Duke climbed from No. 10 in the nation on February 1st to No. 4 in the poll released on March 1st.
*Duke allowed just 58.8 PPG in February, with half of the eight February opponents scoring 55 points or fewer.
*During the month of February, Kyle Singler averaged 19.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG while connecting on half his three-point attempts (25-50 3pt FG).
*Brian Zoubek played some of his best basketball of the season during February, averaging 5.9 PPG and 8.6 RPG. The senior hauled in 31 offensive boards during the month.
*Jon Scheyer averaged 19.1 PPG during the month and scored 20 or more in five of the eight games.
*Nolan Smith averaged 15.8 PPG in February with three 20+ point outings.
*Duke dominated the boards in February, grabbing 320 rebounds compared to 277 by our opponents. The Blue Devils also snatched 134 offensive rebounds compared to 105 by Duke foes during the month. Miami and Virginia were the only squads to outrebound Duke in a February game.
*Duke’s 3pt shooting and 3pt defense also played a key role in the February run. Duke was 65-for-157 (.414) from downtown, while limiting opponents to 21-for-107 (.196) from 3pt range. Duke made at least five 3’s against every February opponent except Tulsa, while UNC was the lone squad to make five against Duke (but shot just .263 from three-point range).
*Coach K improved to 178-66 during the month of February.
Jon and the Blue Devils had a lot to smile about in February.
