Blue Devils wallop Cavaliers by a score of 76-53 in their ACC Tournament opener

Abby addresses the media - BDN Photo
Abby addresses the media - BDN Photo

The Duke Blue Devils used a suffocating defense to smother Virginia from the very start of their opening round game of the ACC Tournament.  Holding the Cavaliers to just 36.4% from the field the Blue Devils recorded a surprisingly easy 76-53 win.

It certainly helped that Duke hit a season high 56% from the field, led by Abby Waner who went 4 of 6 from the three point stripe on her way yo 16 points.  Chante Black and Joy Cheek were the only other Dukies to score in double figures, tallying 12 points apiece.

Duke played 12 players in the game and had contributions  from many.  In fact just two Blue Devils failed to score in the game.  The Duke bench outscored their opponent 32-16.

While Duke was outrebounded for just the eighth time this season, they controlled the paint on the offensive end outscoring the Cavs 36-20.  Duke also boosted their all time tournament record in Greensboro to 22-4.

Waner went 6 of 9 from the field to lead Duke over Virginia - BDNP
Waner went 6 of 9 from the field to lead Duke over Virginia - BDNP

Duke now stands at 25-4 for the season and will try to avenge an overtime loss to Florida State, the second seed at 3:30 tomorrow.  Florida State comes in at 25-6 and is 13-2 against conference opponents.

All four top seeds made the semi finals and all four teams are ranked in the top twelve teams in America.  UNC will face Maryland in the days opener.  With such great competition, all fans who can make it over to Greensboro Coliseum.