Duke, Wake: Great D, different ways

Wednesday night's game between No. 1 Duke and No. 4 Wake Forest (ESPN, 7 ET) in Winston-Salem features two of the best defensive teams in the country. Both teams fall in Ken Pomeroy's top five for adjusted defense, however the two teams frustrate offenses in very different ways.

The Blue Devils look to generate turnovers. Through Saturday's utter annihilation of the Maryland Terrapins, Duke ranked 25th in turnover percentage, snuffing out their opponents' possessions at a 24.5-percent clip. Wake gets after the basketball as well, but by contrast the Deacons like to push the tempo, using turnovers to foster a fast paced game and create more possessions. However, because of those extra possessions, Wake's 9.0 steals per game (the 23rd most in D-1), place them just 117th in turnover percentage.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Already an Insider? Sign in below:

• Username
• Password
• Sign In with Facebook

• ESPN The Magazine subscribers

  Activate your Insider account »

• Need more information?

  View Insider Benefits »

... or become an today

• 1 Year Membership - $3.33 a month

  Includes a 1 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine - Over 62% off the monthly price!

• 2 Year Membership - $2.50 a month

  Includes a 2 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine - Over 72% off the monthly price!

• Monthly Membership - $8.95 a month
• 

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe

Jordan Brenner | email

ESPN The Magazine contributing writer

• Archive

Brenner writes for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN Insider. He covers the NBA and college basketball.