Duke cancels last remaining non-conference game

Duke will forego the remainder of its non-conference schedule for the 2020-21 season, the school announced Thursday.

The Blue Devils were scheduled to play Gardner-Webb on Dec. 19 before exclusively entering ACC play.

"This is the best decision we could make as a program, in making sure that we are doing the right thing for our players," Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement. "This will also allow our team to have time over the holidays to safely enjoy with their families. These kids need to be with their families, at least for a little bit.

"So we will play the Notre Dame game on Dec. 16, and then allow our team four or five days at home before returning here to prepare for the remainder of our ACC schedule - and hopefully get to play all of them. These kids go through so much, and we need to take care of them."

Krzyzewski called out the NCAA on Tuesday for continuing play amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, some believe he has ulterior motives.

Alabama coach Nate Oats questioned the timing of Krzyzewski's comments, as Duke just dropped its second non-conference game at home.

Michigan State and Illinois each emerged victorious from Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. The Fighting Illini's 15-point win over the Blue Devils on Tuesday was the school's largest non-conference home loss in Krzyzewski's 40 years in charge.

Duke enters Wednesday's ACC opener against Notre Dame with a 2-2 record.