Duke's 61-58 win over Virginia Thursday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium came with a healthy dose of grit.
The Blue Devils grew weary of hearing their defensive prowess questioned. They did the only thing necessary to stifle such talk by turning in a lock-down performance.
Virginia shot 51 percent in the first half and led 32-28 at halftime. In the second half, Duke began physically challenging the Cavaliers on the defensive end. Virginia responded by shooting 29.4 percent (10 of 34) in the second half as the Blue Devils rallied to win.
It's a statement win for Duke, as much as any other the Blue Devils have posted this season.
Freshman Austin Rivers, meeting with us reporters late Thursday night, said Duke's coaches stressed that this game was their biggest of the year so far.
"Bigger than Kansas. Bigger than Ohio State," Rivers said.
He, and his coaches, are right.
Duke plays its best when it runs up and down the court this season. It had to show it could win a game played a slower pace. The Blue Devils passed the test against Virginia.
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