Playing its first game after the suspension of Grayson Allen, Duke walked into a hornet's nest in Blacksburg on Saturday and came away stinging after losing its ACC conference opener at the hands of Virginia Tech 89-75. The Hokies showed no mercy for the visiting team and made a statement by knocking off the fifth-ranked team in the country in convincing fashion.
Here are three takeaways from the ACC opener for both teams:
1. Virginia Tech turned on attack mode and didn't stop
The Hokies were the aggressor for much of the game and forced Duke to play on its heels. That's not something Duke is used to defending. Off the rebounds, the Hokies pushed the pace. Catching the ball off the perimeter? They were attacking. This was just one of the many examples of Virginia Tech going right at Duke -- and Duke simply wasn't in position to stop it.
I think it says more about the mentality each team brought into the game. Virginia Tech was playing with something to prove. It was an opportunity to make a statement that they were for real on a big stage against a big team who was in a tough spot. They took everything Duke gave them in transition, and shot a ridiculous 61.5 percent from 3-point range knocking down 8 of its 13 attempts. Duke, which shot 31 percent from beyond the arc, simply didn't have the firepower to pace the Hokies delivering knockout punches at every turn.
2. Grayson Allen's presence alone was missed
Allen, Duke's second leading scorer sat out this one serving a suspension for tripping a player in his last game. The Blue Devils could have used him.
Not only is his offense and 16 points per game something Duke missed, but not having that threat on the floor allowed Virginia Tech to focus more on Luke Kennard and Jayson Tatum defensively. It essentially shrinks the floor and crumbles up the spacing. When shots aren't falling, that factor alone can be the difference between 0-1 in ACC play and 1-0.
3. This was more than just a win -- it was an NCAA tournament résumé builder.
Virginia Tech hasn't been to the NCAA tournament since 2007. Coming in to today with an 11-1 record was certainly a good start to making its way back there, but there wasn't exactly a pinnacle win Buzz Williams could hang his hat on.
Beating No. 5 Duke is one heck of a boost. This play was the icing on the cake to a banner day for the Virginia Tech program.
Duke (11-2, 0-1) will get a few days off before ACC play continues next week -- and the Blue Devils could be welcoming Allen back if his suspension is lifted. Virginia Tech (12-1, 1-0) is off to its hottest start under Williams and this win could be the signature victory the Hokies need to claim their spot among the field of 68 in March.