- Photo by Al Drago
- Nolan Smith dunks his way to being the leading scorer with 22 total points.
Despite slow starts in both halves during an early Saturday afternoon game against the Saint Louis Billikens, the Duke Blue Devils improved to 10—0 on its young season with an 84—47 win. With standout freshman Kyrie Irving out indefinitely after an injury to his right foot, the Devils redistributed their offensive production. Seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler led the team with 22 and 21 points, respectively, while sophomore Seth Curry added 11 points and six assists from the bench. Freshman forward Josh Hairston contributed 12 points in 15 minutes—his most during any game this season—and helped the Devil defense turn the Billiken offense into a bungle of turnovers and bad shots. Saint Louis turned the ball over 22 times; they made only 19 field goals, however, shooting less than 40 percent from the floor.
“I don’t see any discernible weakness,” said always candid Saint Louis coach Majerus of Duke, “other than the one kid being out.”
For more about the significance of the continued absence of that one kid, Kyrie Irving, and what it means for Duke’s potential run at a national championship, check this space Monday morning.
- Photo by Al Drago
- Freshman John Hairston shocks the crowd with the dunk late in the second half.
To view all of the game’s photos in the gallery, click here:
http://indyweek.photoshelter.com/gallery/Duke-84-vs-St-Louis-47-Mens-Basketball-12-11-2010/G0000FVJpq2XgyYs
