Terps Come Out of Their Shell Against Devils

I was considering leaving the first couple of paragraphs in this post blank and then writing a solid post from there on to symbolize the effort the Blue Devils gave tonight but I decided against it. The Blue Devils put forth a spirited effort and played pretty well but the problem is they started playing the game down 29-9 while Maryland played hard from the opening tip. I can't remember a game where a Duke team was so blatantly out hustled by the other team especially on the road. BUT, like most things, this team is different than other Duke teams. Say whatever you want about this team but they have always played hard and came to play each and every possession. Until tonight! They were knocked on their heels early and made this kid Vasquez look like the second coming of Bob Cousy in the process.

Two players who really earned a trip into my doghouse tonight were Greg Paulus and DeMarcus Nelson. First, I won't get on Paulus as hard as Nelson because for the most part, he's been very consistent over the last month of the season. However, it seemed like he really let the crowd and full court pressure take him out of his game, he never recovered, and it cost the Blue Devils dearly. As for Nelson, he's been absolutely dreadful ever since the BC win, which consequently was Duke's last win. It's pretty unbelievable but almost halfway through the month, Duke is win less in February. Nelson committed 3 fouls in the first 6 minutes of the game and was a virtual non-factor in the 1st Half. You would think he'd come out with reckless abandon in the 2nd Half but instead, he kept turning the ball over and hurting the team more than he was helping them. If he keeps this up, he has to be more acquainted with the bench and people like Marty Pocius, who gives them nothing but positive minutes and Gerald Henderson need to get more PT.

I just don't get it. This team is struggling and you finally go on a little run with Marty in there and they take him out in favor of Nelson, he gives them nothing, and Maryland goes on another run that would seal the game. Another thing: Where was Brian Zoubek? I don't give a damn about matchups and the other team going small, don't punish the kid because most of the ACC has undersized centers who are really power forwards. Zoubek gave you a tremendous spark off the bench for the Carolina game and he needs more game experience.

Here's something that I never thought I would write on this blog: Duke may be headed towards the NIT. Many experts believe they will get in if they go 7-9 in conference but there isn't a strong precedent for such an action. AND not to mention, that is no foregone conclusion that they will win another two games within the conference. Personally, I think they need 8 conference wins to assure themselves a birth in the tournament so that means they need to take care of business at home against GT and Maryland and they need to find a win out of BC, Clemson, and UNC on the road not to mention they CAN'T lose at St. John's on the 25th. Why? One, I will be in attendance. Two, that would be considered a "bad loss" by the selection committee and they can't afford such a blemish on an already shaky tournament resume.

I'm in just as much disarray as the Dukies. I have no idea what to expect anymore. I want to keep believing and I will NEVER give up on this team but I just don't know how many shots they can take to the stomach without falling down and never getting back up. This team is very vulnerable, they have very little experience and they don't have a go-to guy and they still have D-U-K-E across their jerseys, which means they are circled on every teams calendar.

Next up is BC (1st in the ACC) on the road on Wednesday night. Duke beat them earlier in the year on Shelden Williams night but they haven't beat anyone since. BC is coming off a thrilling win over FSU today and they are dying for another shot at knocking off Duke. Expect a much better effort tonight but it will have to be a great effort for the result to be any different than the last four.

No Prediction. =(