WRAL Sports Fan

The Sports Network

By Scott Haynes, College Basketball Senior Editor

FACTS & STATS: Site: Time Warner Cable Arena (19,077) -- Charlotte, North Carolina. Television: ESPN2. Home Record: Duke 7-0, Davidson 3-1. Away Record: Duke 0-0, Davidson 2-3. Neutral Record: Duke 5-0, Davidson 2-1. Conference Record: Duke 0-0, Davidson 0-0. Series Record: Duke leads, 88-17

GAME NOTES: The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils close out their non-conference schedule with a familiar foe, as they take on the Davidson Wildcats at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte on Wednesday night.

Mike Krzyzewski's Blue Devils have ascended the national polls thanks to 12 straight wins, including a trio of victories over then top-5 foes. Duke closed out the 2012 portion of its schedule with a 90-77 victory over Santa Clara this past weekend, the team's 101st non-conference win in Durham, the nation's longest such streak.

Bob McKillop's Wildcats have had their ups and downs this season and as a result, are sporting a 7-5 overall mark heading into the 2013 portion of their schedule. Davidson has won three of its last four games, most recently earning a 70-64 road win at Richmond. This marks the team's last non-league game before beginning Southern Conference action.

This is the most played non-conference rivalry in Duke history, with this contest representing the 106th meeting. Duke has dominated the series with an 88-17 advantage overall, including wins in each of the last 23 meetings.

It hasn't mattered who the competition has been this season, as Duke has set them up and knocked them all down thanks to stellar play at both ends of the floor. The team boasts of serious scoring depth if a shootout is needed, averaging 81.2 ppg. All five starters are currently averaging double figures, but it is senior forward Mason Plumlee who is the team's anchor up front. The 6-foot-10 veteran is shooting 63.8 percent from the floor this year, and leads the team in both scoring (19.5 ppg) and rebounding (11.6 rpg). Seth Curry (17.1 ppg) can fill up the stat sheet as well, although his scoring is usually from the perimeter (.419 from 3-point range). Ryan Kelly (12.4 ppg), Rasheed Sulaimon (12.2 ppg) and Quinn Cook (10.8 ppg) round out the top scoring threats.

In the win over the Broncos, Curry led the way with 31 points, thanks to a 12- of-18 performance from the field. Plumlee was once again unstoppable up front, recording yet another double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Kelly had a double-double of his own with 10 points and 11 boards, while Cook netted 15 points and doled out five assists.

A strong first half provided the Wildcats with a big lead at the break, and strong free-throw shooting over the final 20 minutes helped earn the road win at Richmond. Jake Cohen led four players in double figures with 19 points. He was joined by De'Mon Brooks (14 pts), Clint Mann (11 pts) and J.P. Kuhlman (10 pts).

Davidson lacks the offensive depth that Duke has, but has shown signs of strong play at that end of the floor, averaging 72.1 ppg. Brooks is the team's top playmaker, shooting .489 from the field and pacing Davidson is both scoring (15.2 ppg) and rebounding (6.1 rpg). Cohen is the only other Wildcat currently averaging double figures in scoring at 12.7 ppg. Nik Cochran is just under that mark (9.0 ppg), while leading the team in assists (3.3 apg).

Davidson has lost 23 straight games to Duke and an even two dozen is certainly expected here. The Blue Devils are not only winning games, but doing so impressively. Duke should be able to head into ACC play this weekend with a full head of steam.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Duke 84, Davidson 57