Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
Through their first seven games, the Tigers might have the best perimeter defense in the nation. They’ve allowed their opponents to convert just 33.9% of their attempts from 3-point range, but more importantly, they’ve only let teams try 27.9% of their shots from distance. That combination of low volume and mediocre efficiency has held Auburn’s opponents in check from the most dangerous spot on the court.
Duke’s offense will offer an unstoppable force for that immovable object to slow down. The Blue Devils have attempted a 3-pointer on 49.8% of their shots, a staggering clip, and they’re shooting more 3-pointers than 2-pointers at home this season. Duke doesn’t just shoot to shoot, however. The offense relies upon ball movement and additional passes to create open space, part of the reason why it’s made 36.1% of those triples this year. Even when the Blue Devils don’t connect from behind the arc, they’re missing open looks because of their spacing, and that can beat the Auburn defense.
