Big guys boosting Duke

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski opened the ACC conference call Monday by praising the Blue Devils' big men, and it's easy to see why.

Forward Ryan Kelly has averaged 15.5 points over the last two games and has made 13 straight field goal attempts. Center Mason Plumlee has 50 rebounds over his last four games with at least 10 rebounds in each game. His older brother, Miles Plumlee, has averaged 9.5 points per game off the bench over the last two games.

"The big guys, Ryan Kelly had a really good week, and I think Mason continues to rebound well, and Miles gave us energy," Krzyzewski said.

Meanwhile, senior forward Kyle Singler continues to shine for Duke. He has been a bit overshadowed on this team because Blue Devil senior guard Nolan Smith leads the ACC in scoring and assists.

If there's any way to do this quietly, Singler quietly averaged 21 points and eight rebounds in two ACC road wins last week.

"The thing that is so impressive about Kyle is how hard he plays," said Boston College coach Steve Donahue, whose team visits Duke at 8 p.m. Thursday. "And you watch the things he does away from the basketball defensively, getting in the passing lanes and then going to rebound, and he plays all these minutes. . .it's pretty incredible. His motor is just a notch above everybody else on the court."

Ken Tysiac