**Duke Crushes Maine In Season Opener, 96-62**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 05, 2024

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Duke Dominates Maine in Season Opener, 96-62

Durham, NC - The Duke Blue Devils kicked off their season in style, dismantling the Maine Black Bears 96-62 in a dominant performance at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils showcased their talent and depth, leaving no doubt about their championship aspirations.

A Dominant First Half Sets the Tone

From the opening tip, Duke asserted its dominance. The Blue Devils' offense flowed seamlessly, with crisp passing and pinpoint shooting. Jeremy Roach orchestrated the attack, dishing out assists and finding his teammates for open shots. Freshman Dereck Lively II made an immediate impact, showcasing his size and athleticism with powerful dunks and impressive shot-blocking.

By halftime, Duke had built a commanding 51-29 lead. Maine struggled to keep up with the Blue Devils' speed and intensity, committing numerous turnovers and struggling to find their offensive rhythm.

Second Half Extends the Lead

The second half saw more of the same. Duke continued to pour it on, extending their lead to as many as 37 points. Kyle Filipowski, another freshman, displayed his versatility, scoring efficiently from inside and out.

Mark Mitchell, a returning sophomore, added a spark off the bench, contributing 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting. The Blue Devils' bench outscored Maine's bench by a staggering 41-10 margin, highlighting their depth and talent.

A Promising Start for Duke

The 96-62 victory was a resounding statement from Duke. The team's offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and impressive depth give them the tools to contend for a national title. The Blue Devils will look to build on this strong start as they head into a challenging schedule.

Key takeaways from the game:

• Dominant Offense: Duke's balanced offense, led by Roach and Filipowski, was a highlight of the game.
• Freshman Impact: Lively and Filipowski made immediate contributions, showcasing their potential.
• Strong Depth: The Blue Devils' bench outplayed Maine's, highlighting their depth and ability to sustain a high level of play throughout the game.

The season is young, but the Blue Devils have already set the tone for a potential championship run. With a blend of returning veterans and talented freshmen, Duke is a formidable force in college basketball.