Power programs in college basketball are increasingly scheduling home-and-home series against each other due to the challenges of scheduling nonconference games post realignment. This trend has resulted in highly anticipated matchups like the upcoming game between No. 12 Duke and No. 17 Arizona at McKale Center this Friday.
Duke, with a roster that includes top NBA draft prospect Cooper Flagg, is coming off a loss to No. 9 Kentucky but bounced back with a dominant win over Wofford. Arizona, led by preseason All-American Caleb Love, suffered a setback against No. 19 Wisconsin but remains confident in their abilities.
The game promises to be a showcase of talent, with 12 players from both teams featured in ESPN’s latest draft big board of the top 100 prospects. Duke’s Jon Scheyer commended his team’s response after their loss to Kentucky, while Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd sees the matchup as an opportunity for growth.
Both teams will look to showcase their skills and bounce back from recent losses in what is expected to be a closely contested game. The presence of multiple NBA draft prospects on both sides adds to the intrigue of this nonconference matchup between two storied programs in college basketball. Follow @AZSports for updates on this highly anticipated showdown.
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