Disruptive Defense at Its Best in Early Games for Duke Women

Duke has been known for it's stingy defense ever since Gail Goestenkors arrived 15 years ago. But this year's group is particularly defensive. Each of the first six opponents has turned the ball over 15 or more times, while not making it to double figures in assists. Every team is bound to run into a non-passing opponent a time or two, but not six straight.

“It means we are being extremely disruptive with our defense,” said Goestenkors. “We are not letting our opponents get into their offense and run their sets. That makes them uncomfortable. Then they put the ball on the floor and try to create their own shot instead of passing the ball to get a better shot. I think we have played some of our best team defense so far this year.”

The numbers would back that up. Over the last 10 years, Duke's opponents have roughly twice as many turnovers as assists. It's almost three times as many so far this season. The Blue Devils are outscoring their opponents by just over 40 points a game and 30 percent is the best any opponent has shot. Duke's defensive tenacity has led to eight shot clock violations and every player has blocked at least one shot.

“Blocks come when you give good help,” said Goestenkors. “It's usually when you leave your player to help out near the basket. That leads to good positioning for a blocked shot.”

Six-foot-7 senior Alison Bales already holds the school record for blocked shots and is 15 away from breaking the ACC career record of 330 set by former Virginia standout DeMya Walker.

“Ali, Carrem (Gay), Abby (Waner), Nish (Wanisha Smith) and Lindsey (Harding) are all quick and athletic and take great pride in their defense,” Goestenkors said of her starting five. “This team relies on its defense to be successful.”

? Steve Barnes