Duke's Thornton in position to set tone against Hokies

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: Cassell Coliseum

TV/Radio: ESPN, WDNC-AM 620, WKIX-FM 102.9

Records: Duke (18-3, 5-1); Virginia Tech (12-9, 1-5)

Player to watch: Tyler Thornton, G, Duke

Thornton is the Blue Devils' strongest defender, and with the emphasis on Duke's defense heading into this game, Thornton is in position to set the tone for how the Blue Devils play on their end of the court.

Observation: It could be interesting to see who the more desperate team is tonight. Duke wants to make amends for its second half Saturday against St. John's. Virginia Tech's ACC season, meanwhile, is teetering close to the edge of being irredeemable. If the Hokies can surprise the Blue Devils, maybe it gives them momentum for the second half.

Projected starting lineups

Duke Blue Devils

G Seth Curry 12.2 ppg, 2.6 apg

G Austin Rivers 14.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg

G Andre Dawkins 10.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg

F Mason Plumlee 12.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg

F Ryan Kelly 12.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg

Virginia Tech Hokies

G Robert Brown 7.7 ppg, 2.1 apg

G Erick Green 15.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg

F Cadarian Raines 4.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg

F Victor Davila 7.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg

F Jarell Eddie 9.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg