The Duke Blue Devils and Virginia Cavaliers are playing on the ACC basketball schedule and the conference matchup is live on ESPN and WatchESPN at 7 pm ET from John Paul Jones Arena as Jahlil Okafor and number four Duke try and knock the Cavs off for their first loss in 2014-15.
Duke comes into the game after a loss against Notre Dame and while they are number four in the nation, they are just 4-3 in the ACC this year. Jahlil Okafor has been great and he is leading the team in scoring and comes in after putting up 22 points and 17 rebounds in the game against Notre Dame. Virginia is 19-0 this season and 7-0 in the ACC at number two in the nation and that makes this a tough ACC matchup on both sides for these schools.
Duke is scoring 81 points per game this season and they are ranked seventh in field goal percentage and now they have a top five matchup. Duke will play against Georgia Tech next and they have another tough game with Notre Dame, but this time the game will be at home. Duke started off the season without a loss until January 11, but the team has lost three of the past six games. The team just went through its toughest stretch of the season, winning over Louisville, Pittsburgh and St. John's before losing to Notre Dame and playing against number two Virginia.
Virginia ranks first in the nation in defense, allowing just under 50 points per game and they have been as impressive as anyone. Kentucky also remains undefeated and Virginia comes in after a win over Virginia Tech on the road and then they will play against North Carolina on the road. The Cavs have been playing very well all season and they have put up some ridiculous defensive performances, including holding Georgia Tech to just 28 points and Clemson to 42 points.
Virginia is about to go on their toughest stretch of the season, as they play games against three ranked teams in a row. The games are all top 15 matchups, including against Duke at home, North Carolina on the road and then hosting Louisville. The team has Louisville to end the season, but that is the only ranked game after this stretch and if they can get past this, they have a chance to make a run at an undefeated schedule.
Duke is without guard Rasheed Sulaimon after he was dismissed from the team by Coach K and that came soon after the 1000th win for the head coach. Justin Anderson has been playing well for Virginia and he is leading the team in scoring and is leading the ACC in three point shooting. Anderson has been key for the team and now Virginia has the chance to make a run.
Check here for the Duke Blue Devils and Virginia Cavaliers live coverage.
