The Dukes opened up their season with an exhibition game against Philadelphia University, a high DII team. The PHILAU Rams have a preseason ranking of 18 and look to have a promising season. For the Dukes, they have a preseason ranking of 6th with a schedule filled with powerhouses. The Dukes are hopeful for a winning season this year, but falling too the DII Rams leaves some fans with lost hope, especially with the home opener being against #8 UVA.
The Dukes offense looked pretty solid sunday as they shot above 40% from the three point line. Satkus, Kent, and Grays really spaced the floor out shooting as they made 9 of the 12 three pointers. Satkus looked to be the clear go to guy with 20pts and 9 boards, shooting an impressive 8-9. Yohanny Dalembert had flashes of brilliance in the paint and showed a good back-to-basket playstyle. Pg Ron Curry facilitated well with 7 assists. If our shooters can space out the floor and let our big man go to work itll be a successful season offensively.
However, on the defensive side, the Dukes really showed their weaknesses. Guarding ball screens and getting backdoor cut were among the most common mistakes. While watching it seemed as if we were getting beat off the trouble everytime they touched the ball which lead to alot of fouls and "and-ones". The fouls mainly came from big men being late to help, but that isnt an issue if the guards keep their men in front. On the plus side, the Dukes defense did force 11 turnovers which lead to 20 pts.
If our shooters stay hot and we dont slack off on defense well give UVA a good game, if not it could be over before the teams even take the floor.
The Dukes offense looked pretty solid sunday as they shot above 40% from the three point line. Satkus, Kent, and Grays really spaced the floor out shooting as they made 9 of the 12 three pointers. Satkus looked to be the clear go to guy with 20pts and 9 boards, shooting an impressive 8-9. Yohanny Dalembert had flashes of brilliance in the paint and showed a good back-to-basket playstyle. Pg Ron Curry facilitated well with 7 assists. If our shooters can space out the floor and let our big man go to work itll be a successful season offensively.
However, on the defensive side, the Dukes really showed their weaknesses. Guarding ball screens and getting backdoor cut were among the most common mistakes. While watching it seemed as if we were getting beat off the trouble everytime they touched the ball which lead to alot of fouls and "and-ones". The fouls mainly came from big men being late to help, but that isnt an issue if the guards keep their men in front. On the plus side, the Dukes defense did force 11 turnovers which lead to 20 pts.
If our shooters stay hot and we dont slack off on defense well give UVA a good game, if not it could be over before the teams even take the floor.