DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke point guard Nolan Smith's injured knee won't keep him out of the Blue Devils' Atlantic Coast Conference opener Sunday night against Virginia Tech.
Smith, one of four double-figure scorers for Number Five Duke, gave the Blue Devils a slight scare earlier this week when he knocked knees with a Loyola of Maryland player while going up for a rebound in the first half of their final pre-ACC tuneup.
Team officials said Friday the sophomore guard is expected to play against the Hokies. His teammates said the point guard looked healthy during full practices Thursday and Friday with a protective pad on his left knee.
Virginia Tech beat Duke two years ago in overtime in its last visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke is four-and-two against the Hokies since they joined the ACC five seasons ago.
