There are big things planned in Durham this year. While haters around the country are celebrating the supposed "demise" of the Blue Devils, they are gearing themselves for another Final Four run.That swagger was nearly ruined by Rhode Island yesterday. The Rams gave Duke fits before losing, 82-79.
Rhode Island led much of the game behind Jimmy Baron's 23 points and the Rams hitting 10-of-14 from behind the arc. Duke, normally an excellent outside shooting team, struggled to hit just 4-of-17 from three.
The difference was free throws. Duke shot twice as many free throws as Rhode Island (32 to 16), including the Blue Devils' final six points to seal the win. After chasing the Rams all day, Kyle Singler hit two free throws to tie the game at 77-77. Singler and Jon Scheyer would then ice the game from the line and scoot bye with a win.
Duke did extend the nation's longest home winning streak against non-conference opponents to 62 games.
The Blue Devils will go on to finish off the 2K Sports Coaches vs Cancer Classic this week. They will take on Southern Illinois on Thursday before facing either UCLA or Michigan on Friday.
