Duke’s narrow 82-81 loss to Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden may have sparked some panic among fans, but let’s take a step back. This wasn’t a collapse that redefines the Blue Devils’ season - far from it. What it does do, however, is shine a brighter light on the areas where this team still needs to grow if it wants to make a deep run come March.
Jon Scheyer’s squad heads into the holiday break with an 11-1 record, and that’s not just window dressing. They’ve already faced a handful of high-major opponents and come out on top more often than not. The foundation of this team has been clear from the jump: size in the frontcourt, a defensive identity that travels, and an offensive system that, while not flashy, has been steady and effective.
But Saturday night’s loss wasn’t about being outclassed. Duke had control - up 10 at the half, leading by as many as 17 in the second.
The issue wasn’t talent or game plan. It was execution down the stretch, and that’s where the concern comes in.
Texas Tech chipped away possession by possession, and when it came time for Duke to slam the door, they couldn’t. That’s the kind of late-game poise you either have or you learn - and it looks like Duke is still in the learning phase.
There’s no shame in dropping a one-point game to a quality opponent on a neutral floor. But it does underline something that’s been bubbling beneath the surface: this team still hasn’t fully figured out how to close. And in March, that’s the difference between a Sweet 16 and a Final Four.
So no, the sky isn’t falling in Durham. But the Texas Tech game was a reminder that the Blue Devils, for all their talent and early-season success, are still a work in progress.
The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together when it matters most.