Utah vs. Duke: College Basketball Game Preview, Prediction, TV Schedule

TV Schedule: Saturday, Dec. 19, 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Line: Duke (-8)

 

The Utah Utes continue to quietly rack up wins, as the dark horse for the PAC-12 title has won five of their last six games. Recently known more for their stout defense, Utah’s offensive explosion has been the story of 2015-16. The Utes average 80.6 points per game and have scored at least 90 points in three of their last five games.

Next up for the streaking Utes, however, is a tough matchup with the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils in the Ameritas Insurance Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

At 9-1, the Blue Devils have been the team many expected them to be heading into the season. Duke dominated all of their lesser opponents and were able to pull off quality wins over their above average opponents. Unfortunately, head coach Mike Krzyzewski and Co. were unable to get the win over their lone elite opponent, the Kentucky Wildcats, or the Blue Devils would still be undefeated heading to New York. The early season loss is disappointing for fans, but it could be just what this team needed to “wake up” and start playing at their best.

Utah legitimately has an opportunity to upset Duke, but will need a massive game from Jakob Poeltl, as well as an even bigger game from whichever player ends up guarding Grayson Allen. Amile Jefferson, who is averaging a double-double, is out for the game with a foot injury, meaning that there may not be a better time for the Utes to pull off a major upset over an elite team.

That being said, I’m not sure the Utes’ defense is up to the task of stopping Allen, Brandon Ingram and Matt Jones for the entirety of the game. Allowing over 70 points per game, this is not the Utah defense of the past few seasons.

Expect Poeltl to dominate inside without Jefferson available, but the Blue Devils to pull off the win, as Duke continues to prove why it deserves to be a top five team heading into conference play.

Prediction: Duke 80, Utah 70

Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.