First, before anything else, it feels good to be on the winning end after a two week drought. The Dukies played inspired led by Josh McRoberts and DeMarcus Nelson, who is officially out of my doghouse with a tremendous effort offensively and more importantly, on the defensive end against Jared Dudley, who despite what BC fans believe, is anything but studly. He is, however, the hands down choice for ACC POY and he was held to the quietest 11 points.
Second, memo to Coach K: I love you, you are my Jesus. I am captivated when you talk, you're a tremendous humanitarian, you're one of the best coaches in any collegiate sport ever but please, for my health, STOP TAKING THE AIR OUT OF THE BALL!!! PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!!! Okay, sorry to sound like Herm Edwards there but please, I don't think my heart was beating from the 8 minute mark until Greg Paulus scored on a fast break layup off the Jon Sheyer steal. Up 24 in the 2nd Half, you can't let that happen. That was almost catastrophic but you know what if my Grandma had wheels she'd be a car.
Okay, enough on the negatives and let's look at the positives. Josh McRoberts was phenomenal baby with a capital "P". He dominated in the post and listen, I know Oates couldn't guard the chair I'm sitting in right now but he still dominated. In fact, I don't mind taking the air out of the ball but instead of keeping McRoberts at the top of the circle, throw him in the post when you do that and dump it down to him so he can either create for himself or draw a double and kick it out to an open shooter. DeMarcus Nelson regained his form from earlier in the year tonight and he really pushed Duke over the top at the end of the game with a fast break layup and a big 3-pointer out of the corner.
In conclusion, I am so proud of this team. They could've fallen apart like a $39 suit due to all the hating and doubting from the media and anti-Dukies but they came out and gave a superior effort against the best team, at least in the standings, in the ACC. I say in the standings because let's be real, North Carolina is the best team in the league even though VA Tech would have something to say about that. All of a sudden, despite the 4-game losing streak, Duke is 5th in a conference that will almost definitely get 8 bids come NCAA Tournament time. However, this game means very little if they lay an egg against Georgia Tech at home on Sunday afternoon. Don't forget, the game is at 1pm and if I were to do a statistical analysis on Duke in games 2pm or before, they have to be under .500. It seems like they always play poorly in those afternoon games and I hope that doesn't occur on Sunday. Sure, Georgia Tech is more athletic than they are and they beat them earlier in the year but Duke needs to reestablish their home court advantage and a win against Tech puts them in great position to go to the NCAA Tournament. Good job guys.
Prediction Time: Yes, I will predict this one after not predicting the last two games because of disgust and uncertainty. I think Duke uses this momentum to beat Tech on Sunday in a close game that they pull away late in because of a crazy crowd. Remember, Patrick Patterson is watching.
Duke 73 Georgia Tech 65
On a side note, Karl Ravech needs to hide his hatred of Duke a little better. His not so subtle remarks that I've picked up ever since the ACC Final against Tech in 2005 when JJ got away with a blatant push. AND, you want to talk about people hating Duke. How about in the Penn State/Ohio State game where the Penn State fans whose team hasn't won in 9 games and is playing the #2 team in the nation has a sign that says "Up Next, Duke loses...again" I mean Jesus H. Christ, leave this team alone.
Totally off topic but I want to wish my girl a Happy Valentine's Day. We weren't able to spend the night together because of the snow storm and my concussion. There's nothing like my Blue Devil girl.
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