800

Coach K has experienced a number of thrilling and improbable victories but this one has to rank up there for the Blue Devil coach. Down 13 with 12 minutes to go and being thoroughly outplayed on the road, it sure appeared that Coach K would have to wait until Wednesday night for the milestone. Then, DeMarcus Nelson and Co. took over by hitting shots, digging in on defense, and more importantly, hitting big free throws down the stretch.

At halftime, I turned to my brother and proclaimed "Duke will win this game" despite a 3-point deficit because State has played so well, hit their shots, and more importantly, didn't miss a free throw not to mention Duke shot miserably. However, unlike the 1st meeting, State kept their foot on the pedal and it looked as if Duke didn't have a prayer especially when guys like Javier Gonzalez went for 15 points above their season average.

There were so many huge plays in this game but none were bigger than DeMarcus' 3-point shot down 84-79 with 2 minutes to go especially since he had the presence of mind to step behind the line and calmly stroke the 3. Then, down the stretch, State, who had been great at the line, on 2 consecutive crucial possessions, hit 1 of 2 from the line leaving a 86-85 score with under a minute to play. Nelson then decided to take over and to be honest, got away with a hook and got fouled. Now, I've killed Nelson all year for his dreadful free throw shooting and even prophecized that it would inevitably burn the Blue Devils but it didn't today.

This was easily Duke's best victory considering how much they had to climb to get back into the game. In December, Duke lost a thriller they had no business losing to Pittsburgh. Today, they won a thriller they had no business winning so I guess the basketball gods even things out, at least for now.

Congratulations to Coach K. He's heard so much praise in the last 28 years but believe it or not, even at 800 wins, this could be his best coaching job. Huh? Think about it. Coach K has been very stubborn the last few years sticking with his game plan and not adjusting to his team and their abilities. This year, he changed his entire philosophy, whether it is the Phoenix spread offense or even throwing in a few 2-3 zones from time to time, Coach K has played to his players strengths and has finally used his bench...

The best win of the season for Duke, on NC State's Senior Day no less. The Devils will play another one of those against Sean Singletary and Virginia. The Cavs compete at home and Duke could be looking forward to UNC but I like Duke to make it 801 for K...

Prediction: Duke 81 UVA 71