Blue Devil Country

WATCH: Two Duke Basketball Products Deliver Loud Blocks in Las Vegas

Team USA's Duke basketball talents look ready to get and deny buckets.
Matt Giles|
WATCH: Two Duke Basketball Products Deliver Loud Blocks in Las Vegas
WATCH: Two Duke Basketball Products Deliver Loud Blocks in Las Vegas

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Duke Blue Devils

Former Duke basketball forwards Brandon Ingram and Paolo Banchero represent the Blue Devils on Team USA this summer. And both made some noise on the defensive end in a 117-74 exhibition win over Puerto Rico in Las Vegas on Monday night.

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In what was their first of five tune-ups (the only one in their home country) for the FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, Aug. 25-Sept. 10, Ingram and Banchero put together a brief block party midway through the third quarter.

It served as a momentum booster.

Team USA held only a 63-52 advantage at the time of the following full-extension swat courtesy of Ingram, leading to a fastbreak assist from Banchero to Anthony Edwards for an easy layup:

Two minutes later, with Team USA looking to build on a 71-55 lead, Banchero threw an errant pass in transition. But despite finding himself defending a one-on-three scenario, the Orlando Magic's 2022 top overall draft pick and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year recovered to the tune of the following ferocious spike:

Still a mere 20-year-old, Paolo Banchero tallied seven points, one rebound, and that one block in his 17 minutes off the bench.

As for Brandon Ingram, who went No. 2 overall at the 2016 NBA Draft following his lone Duke basketball campaign, the 25-year-old New Orleans Pelicans star finished with 11 points, five boards, three assists, and two blocks in 22 minutes.

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Next up for Ingram, Banchero, and Team USA is a trip to Malaga, Spain, to face Slovenia at 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday before taking on Spain at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for daily doses of Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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