Duke Basketball Faces Army at West Point on Veterans Day
The Duke Blue Devils basketball team is set to face the Army Black Knights at West Point on Veterans Day, November 11. This match honors both the military service and the legacy of Mike Krzyzewski, a former Army player and coach.
Duke Basketball at West Point on Veterans Day
The fourth-ranked Blue Devils will compete at Army’s Christl Arena, continuing a tradition of honoring veterans. Coach Jon Scheyer expressed the significance of playing at West Point on such a meaningful day.
Historical Context
Mike Krzyzewski, who holds a record of 1,438-309 at Duke, played for Army from 1966-1969 and later coached there. During his five seasons, he recorded a 73-59 record. This game evokes fond memories for Coach Scheyer, who noted it’s peculiar to fly with Coach K and not see him watching film.
Previous Encounters
Duke has a strong historical record against Army, having won all nine of their previous matchups. The average margin of victory for Duke over these games stands at an impressive 39.3 points. The most recent encounter ended with Duke triumphing 100-58.
- First meeting at West Point: 1997 season opener, Duke won 78-45.
- Last season’s matchup: Duke 100, Army 58.
- Crowd attendance record: 5,055 fans for a game in Christl Arena history.
Team Preparations and Symbolic Gestures
In tribute to Veterans Day, Duke guard Caleb Foster mentioned that the team would wear USA flags on their shoes. This small gesture emphasizes the appreciation the team holds for those who have served.
Watch the Game
The highly anticipated game will begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Fans can expect an exciting matchup, while the Army community prepares for a memorable occasion.
Coach Kevin Kuwik from Army expressed gratitude for this opportunity, stating that hosting a prestigious program like Duke brings excitement to the players and the West Point community.
The game promises not only competitive spirit but also a heartfelt tribute to veterans, making it a special event in the college basketball calendar.