The NC State win over Duke last night just symbolized the whole season in a nutshell. Duke is too inexperienced and lacks a go-to guy. NC State, despite their struggles, looked to their Senior Atsur to step up in the 2nd Half and he did and Brandon Costner is one of the best players, not just freshmen, in the ACC.
This loss hurts. This probably drops Duke to at least a #7 seed in the tournament but maybe even a #8 or #9. That would mean that the Blue Devils would have to go through a #1 or #2 to make it to the 2nd weekend of the tournament, something they've done every year since 1997 when they lost to Providence in the 2nd Round. Even though I expect they will correct some of their defensive woes before the tournament, I can't see the Blue Devils making a big run in the tournament. Depending on their draw, they could easily get bounced in the 1st Round.
The loss of Gerald Henderson killed Duke because the foul trouble eventually caught up to them and cost them the game. However, their defense or lack there of, was more of the issue. They let NC State go up and down the floor as if they were Loyola Marymount from the early 90's.
What else can I say? I am disappointed with the way the season is winding down but there is still time to salvage it. Get back to basics on the defensive end, have a few guys step up and who knows...I'm not going to feel bad for this team because they are inexperienced. They still have 6 McDonalds All-Americans, a 7 footer, a guy who scores 20 a game for his Lithuanian team, and David McClure.
To be continued...
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