Senior Daze

Well, DeMarcus Nelson can add his name to that unfortunate list of Seniors who have lost in their last game at Cameron. Nelson has been spectacular this year but tonight, he was dreadful and really let the moment get the best of him.

Before I get into the analysis, I first have to congratulate the Tar Heels on a well-deserved, hard fought ACC Championship. Second, I thought the whole Eve Carson tribute was as classy as it was appropriate.

You can say whatever you want about Duke's poor 1st Half, the play that really turned this game around was the Gerald Henderson missed dunk with Duke up 68-66. Duke would then go the final 5:40 without a basket.

Greg Paulus really kept the Blue Devils in the game in the 1st Half as he continues his hot shooting. Also, Brian Zoubek gave the Blue Devils 10 good minutes but UNC's small lineup forced him out of the game.

A few reasons why UNC was better tonight:

1) They had Tyler Hansbrough and Duke didn't.
2) Wayne Ellington and Danny Green, who were dreadful in Part I, were stellar in the sequel.
3) Roy Williams had the Heels switch off ball screens, which they never do, and that clearly confused Duke and forced them into some tough shots.
4) I believe they left it all out on the floor tonight not only for an ACC title and a #1 but for young Eve Carson.

A few reasons why Duke wasn't good tonight:
1) Poor shooting and ball handling in the 1st Half
2) DeMarcus Nelson let Senior Day get the best of him
3) Duke couldn't keep UNC off the glass

Despite what the experts say, Duke still has a shot at a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament if they can win the ACC Tournament and get some help from teams playing the likes of Kansas, UCLA, Tennessee, etc...Most likely, unless they have a Friday exit in the ACC Tournament, they should be a #2 seed and still play in Raleigh in the 1st and 2nd Rounds...

Next up for Duke is the ACC Tournament and as the #2 seed, they will have a bye before playing the 7-10 winner on Friday. The seeding is still yet to be determined...