Eighth-ranked Duke, after finally proving it could win on the road, will try to continue its success at Cameron Indoor Stadium today when it plays Florida State in its third straight 9 p.m. game.
The Blue Devils (16-3, 4-2 ACC) defeated Clemson 60-47 on Saturday for their first road win of the season. The Seminoles (15-4, 3-2) had a big home victory over Georgia Tech on Sunday.
Although Duke is 11-0 at home this season and has won 38 straight at Cameron against unranked opponents, Coach Mike Krzyzewski said that FSU presents problems because of its emphasis on defense.
"I think they are one of the outstanding defensive teams in the country," Krzyzewski said. "Leonard (Hamilton) has just done that every year with his team, and they are very, very sound defensively. And this team has not only shot blockers, but they have incredible length."
The Seminoles have won two straight in the ACC, and are second in the league in points allowed (60.2 ppg.). They also lead the nation in field-goal percentage defense, holding opponents to 35 percent, and have held their past 55 opponents to less than 50 percent from the field.
"We are a young team that is getting better, but I think we'll be more developed in February," Hamilton said.
An example of the focus on defense shows up in the ACC statistics -- there are no FSU players among the conference's top 20 scorers. But sophomore Chris Singleton leads the ACC in steals (2.2 a game), while center Solomon Alabi is second (2.6 a game) and Singleton is fifth (1.7 a game) in blocked shots.
"They have a perimeter player being one of the leading shot blockers and steals leaders to go along with Alabi," Krzyzewski said.
To win tonight, the Seminoles will have to slow guard Nolan Smith. He has increased his scoring average by more than 10 points from last season and is averaging 18.5 points and shooting 48.7 percent from the field.
The Blue Devils' big three of Smith, Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler, have been at their best at home. Scheyer is averaging 18.6 points overall, and Singler is averaging 15.8.
"I think Duke is probably playing the best of anybody right now," Hamilton said.
jdell@wsjournal.com
727-4081
Game night
• Teams: Florida State at Duke
• Time: 9 p.m.
• TV/Radio: ESPN Ch. 33; WIST 98.3
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