MBB: Duke vs FSU Pre-Game and in-game thread

[roywhite]

Less than 24 hours to this contest, and there's not been a lot of talk directly about this game. It's the first conference road game, and against an opponent that has played very well in recent years vs Duke, particularly in games in Tallahassee.

Can our defense control the 'Noles? Will Zoubs continue his good play? How deep will our rotation be?

Reasonably close game for a while IMO, but Duke prevails by perhaps 10-12 points.

[BlueintheFace]

We are older and more disciplined this year. They also do not have their typical long athletic wing to abuse us offensively. Still, we always seem to have trouble down there... maybe it's just recently

[gw67]

The Noles have a big front line. I’ve seen parts of two of their games and they appear to rotate Reid (6-8), Echefu (6-9), Alabi (7-1), Singleton (6-9) and Demercy (6-7). In fact, in one game they moved Demercy to the backcourt. Singleton is a freshmen and, like Singler, he plays both inside and outside effectively. While their size would appear to be a problem for the Devils, I suspect that they will have a difficult time guarding Henderson and Singler and the Devils should be quicker to the ball on rebounds.

Their best player, Douglas, is in the backcourt. He thinks shot first. Early in the season, freshmen Loucks played alongside but recently, JC transfer, Kitchen, is playing major minutes. In either case, ballhandling and passing have been problems for the Noles. Against the Devils, I expect these weaknesses to be highlighted.

The home crowd may keep the Noles in the game but I see the Devils having the advantage at both ends of the court and I expect Duke to pull away in the second half.

gw67

[riverside6]

it will be interesting to see how Zoubek fares against someone his size in Alabi

[BlueintheFace]

JJ Redick for a (then) career high. I liked the final score of that game...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzJpM9VdP5M

[Wander]

The home crowd may keep the Noles in the game but I see the Devils having the advantage at both ends of the court

Don't forget FSU has the worst coach in the ACC as well...

[mapei]

JJ Redick for a (then) career high. I liked the final score of that game...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzJpM9VdP5M

Man that was fun to watch. What a special player he was - for me, possibly the most entertaining of all the Dukies.

[Bob Green]

I see this game as a litmus test for how improved we really are inside. Zoubek needs to hold his own against FSU's big men. If Zoubek can be a 7 points/7 rebounds per game player during ACC games, we are in solid shape. IMO, Zoubek will continue to improve as the season marches on. Tomorrow will provide the first indicator of where he is really at. Lets go Zoubek - take it to the 'Noles.

[Virginian]

Seems like very game against anything of a quality opponent -- Purdue, Xavier, Va Tech, Davidson, etc. -- we hear the "ooohh, this is gonna be a real test!"

To heck with that. I say we win by 20.

Go Duke!

[BlueintheFace]

I see this game as a litmus test for how improved we really are inside. Zoubek needs to hold his own against FSU's big men. If Zoubek can be a 7 points/7 rebounds per game player during ACC games, we are in solid shape. IMO, Zoubek will continue to improve as the season marches on. Tomorrow will provide the first indicator of where he is really at. Lets go Zoubek - take it to the 'Noles.

I foresee a break out game for Greg myself, but I agree with you about needing to see how Zoubs is coming along.

[Cameron]

I'm not going to be quite as confident heading into this one as Virginian. We lost at Florida State as the nation's number one team in both 2002 and 2006, and as the nation's number five team in 2003. Considering we did not play at FSU in 2007, we have lost three of our last six in Tallahassee, all three, as mentioned above, as top five teams. We enter as the country's second rated team today.

Last year's 13 point win at FSU was clearly an outlier type game, as usually our trips down to northern Florida are five point games or less. It's been a pretty consistent number.

There may not be an Al Thornton playing today, but I would bet anything the Noles come out on fire.

[BlueintheFace]

It's also important to note that Fla. St. has given Pitt their toughest game all season. They were tied with ~1 minute to go

[Cameron]

They were tied with ~1 minute to go


I did not know that, and kind of wish I didn't now.

Call me a cynic, but I am envisioning a horror show.

[ncexnyc]

I just don't understand the constant disrespect a number of board members show our opposition game after game.

These are the very same individuals who get so bent out of shape everytime the media talks about the Tar Hoes being so great. They'll always make a post which reads along the lines of, "Maybe we should just call off the season now and hand UNC the trophy." Yet, these same fans take that very same approach by dissing our opposition and predicting wins and by large scores. I guess FSU shouldn't even bother to take the court today.

I'm sure their fans watched the, "Our House" chant the other night and will be more than ready to give us a dose of our own medicine.

The Noles always play us tough and this game won't be any different.

[Indoor66]

I just don't understand the constant disrespect a number of board members show our opposition game after game.

These are the very same individuals who get so bent out of shape everytime the media talks about the Tar Hoes being so great. They'll always make a post which reads along the lines of, "Maybe we should just call off the season now and hand UNC the trophy." Yet, these same fans take that very same approach by dissing our opposition and predicting wins and by large scores. I guess FSU shouldn't even bother to take the court today.

I'm sure their fans watched the, "Our House" chant the other night and will be more than ready to give us a dose of our own medicine.

The Noles always play us tough and this game won't be any different.

Excellent post. The sun don't shine on the same dog's butt every day.

[geraldsneighbor]

Gotta force others to score for FSU. One guy in double figures is Douglas, he is a vet and a team leader. Duke needs to take the crowd out early. Not many good memories on our trips to Trailorhasse so a fast start is vital.

[Onlyduke]

Thanks for the YouTube, BlueintheFace. Gosh, I miss J.J. Wish we could "borrow" him for today's game!;)

[darkblue2769]

In reading the paper today I noticed that FSU currently has the best scoring defense in the ACC (closely followed by none other than our own Blue Devils). I think we are going to see a low-scoring, tough game with their big men giving us a taste of what we will see come later in the year.

I think we can pull off the win, but it won't be by 20.

[blueprofessor]

Excellent post. The sun don't shine on the same dog's butt every day.

:(:( but FSU plays its best game of the year against us.
It is very loud in the civic center.
I have seen every Duke-FSU game since 1992 in Tallahassee and ,since the locals have long memories after an FSU win, it is a must win in the regular season ( after UNC) for local Dukies.
I also hear a ton of trash talk from my Ph.D. and MBA students.
The local AAAC chairwoman, a partner in a top law firm, regularly gets her office toilet-papered after an FSU win...and not one comment after a Duke
victory.
We are very,very happy with a win,believe me!

So, basketball gods, if it is your will, give us victory!:D:)

Best regards and go,Duke.Blueprofessor

[jpfrizzle]

Wouldnt it be awesome if Zoubek ended up being the Man of the Match? :D

[kydevil]

Looks like were going to miss the start of the game, ARGH ESPN.

[PSurprise]

Anyone know if anyone is streaming the game online?

[Cameron]

I enjoy that all are games are basically on the channel, but ESPN planning sucks.

I am so sick and tired of their BS. They have all these alternate channels, including ESPNews, etc, and only ONCE ever have I seen the station use those extra channels to show the start of a game that would otherwise be missed due to overlap of another.

Real jerks ESPN are.

[quickgtp]

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY does ESPN do this?? It doesn't help that the refs are calling every tick-tack foul.

[quickgtp]

Ok, we might as well have some fun with this. Any bets on what time left in the Duke game we will get switched over?

I say if no OT in this game we will catch about 16 min.

If there is OT in this game then we will see about 5 min. in first half.....

[riverside6]

for those interested, here is our tempo-based live stats page for Duke/FSU (starters are now posted)

http://www.scacchoops.com/ViewHDGame.asp?hSchedule=1979

[Oriole Way]

I hate ESPN's college basketball scheduling with a passion.

[kydevil]

I may have shock if there's O.T.

[Cameron]

Thank God.

Please no fouls.

[Cameron]

I hear ya, kydevil.

I am just as tense as a Tournament game right now.

[Coballs]

In these situations with a tied game down the stretch and a Duke game pending, always hope for a make and miss at the line!

[Coballs]

Now, Louisville BETTER NOT FOUL

[delfrio]

here comes OT

[Coballs]

This is brutal

[kydevil]

You have to be kidding, amazing defense

[Cameron]

I hate you, espn.

[quickgtp]

Wow, the never-ending game.

[kydevil]

Thank God they can't hit a free throw

[Cameron]

If they foul again, I'm driving down to Kentucky.

[delfrio]

somewhere in Storrs, an exec is laughing at us

[Cameron]

Is ESPN serious right now? Switch the damn game.

[Coballs]

Ok, stop yapping and switch games

[Karl Beem]

Inept.

[ChrisP]

Jeez - thanks for showing us the post-game handshakes...jeez!

[Coballs]

Is Echefu out for this one?

[phaedrus]

How many players in the country lead their team in points, rebounds, and assists right now? Singler's stat line right now is almost - how should I put it - McRoberts-esque.

[Cameron]

Except Kyle has heart for D-U-K-E.

[Cell-R]

Hopefully Henderson won't slow down :-)

[Coballs]

Mike Patrick really looks like Jabba the Hut. It's amazing.
http://misterirrelevant.com/index.php/2008/02/14/spitting-image-star-wars-jabba-the-hut-and-espns-mike-patrick/

[Coballs]

I almost forgot about Reid - "Thug Life"

[ChrisP]

This is shaping up to be an ugly game - low scoring and not a ton of "flow". In the first 6.5 minutes, the refs are allowing a lot of contact on the perimeter - BOTH ways.

[slower]

This is shaping up to be an ugly game - low scoring and not a ton of "flow". In the first 6.5 minutes, the refs are allowing a lot of contact on the perimeter - BOTH ways.

Gonna be the usual mugging - this one looks ominously ugly.

[Oriole Way]

Paulus continues to a huge liability.

Singler needs to start driving to the rim, he's settling for 3's again and it's bad for the team.

[Cell-R]

The part that bugs me about this years team is our lack of consistency on the offensive side.

As far as I can tell our defense is normally above-average which saves us in games like this.

Really though, does this look like the #2 team in the nation?

[Duvall]

Really though, does this look like the #2 team in the nation?

Well, when the #1 team in the nation played here it looked about like this.

[Cameron]

Typical game at the Civic Center. A mugging, indeed.

[ArtVandelay]

Can ESPN please move the mic away from the FSU student section, so we don't have to hear these guys complain about the refs and make fun of Paulus for 2 straight hours?

[CLT Devil]

Seriously....I can hear every word that one fan says. Keeps telling someone to 'sit down' and calling for Paulus. He's got to be hoarse tomorrow. Think he snuck some minibottles into the game??

[Cameron]

Sit down, Len. That's a three ball, baby.

[juise]

Can ESPN please move the mic away from the FSU student section, so we don't have to hear these jokers I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this. about the refs and make fun of Paulus for 2 straight hours?

Word. It sounds like the kid's voice is starting to go... which should make his lack of creativity even more melodic.

[Coballs]

This game is a mess and really tough to watch. Clock malfunctions, Mike Patrick, mic'ed up FSU students spewing asinine comment, sloppy play, and Seminole thuggery.

[Cameron]

This game is a mess and really tough to watch. Clock malfunctions, Mike Patrick, mic'ed up FSU students spewing asinine comment, sloppy play, and Seminole thuggery.

Sounds about right. I wouldn't be surprised if the kid did have a mic.

Although, I actually don't mind Mike Patrick.

I really hope Greg can get back in and nail a three. That'd be sweet. More than sweet.

[FireOgilvie]

I'm impressed with the FSU defense. They are impossible to drive or go inside on.

The student section is filled with morons.

[CAT Blue Devil]

Looks like the brain trust at ESPN has the announcers sitting right in front of the student section.

[slower]

Well, you know.

What is it about Florida that causes players, fans and coaches to be a-holes?

I despise FSU. This game is always a mugging and the whole place is filled with low-rent fans, players and coaches.

I just hope none of our guys gets hurt today, because it's a distinct possibility.

[Oriole Way]

FSU's defense is very good, but our offense is pretty terrible. We settle for jumpshots way too much. With Singler, Smith, Henderson, and even Scheyer, there's no reason we shouldn't be able to set screens and penetrate.

The thing I'm happiest about today is Williams getting minutes. He plays solid pressure defense and I'd much rather him be on the floor than Paulus. On a related note, I'm also very happy that Scheyer has been the backup PG.

[natedog4ever]

I know it's risky, but I'd like to see them overplay even more to get some steals on the perimeter to create fast breaks. Without fast breaks or inside production, we just don't score very well.

Henderson is saving us.

[jpfrizzle]

Go DUKE ! ! ! !

May we have a better 2nd half!

[should_be_working]

If anyone doesn't get seriously hurt of killed, regardless of the result, I'd call this game a success. Man this is ugly. Here's hoping for a better second half.

[grossbus]

box out and hit shots...

please!

[Cell-R]

Well, when the #1 team in the nation played here it looked about like this.

Touché

Florida State should play this defense against everybody!
They could be a Top 25 team :eek:

[Duke4Ever32]

The FSU "fans" know exactly what they're doing. Don't know if anyone here remembers, but last year some of their obnoxious students yelled things out the whole game and it was all audible on ESPN. They obviously know that happened, and are trying to do the same thing now. I'm sure they'll continue this all through the second half because they know they're audible on ESPN.

I went to Tallahassee for the game last year and will probably never go again. The whole place is a low-rent circus filled with freaks. You'd think FSU would be embarrassed by it all and take some action.

[FireOgilvie]

We'll be seeing Henderson in Sportscenter's Top 10 Plays tonight. That was insane.

[Oriole Way]

That dunk by Gerald was one of the most amazing dunks in Duke history. WOW.

[A-Tex Devil]

Please, please, please, someone post a high def screen cap of that Hendu dunk!! I need some new wallpaper!!

[davekay1971]

Statement game by Henderson. He's our best player on both ends of the court today.

The annual game at FSU is never any fun. It's just something painful to get through before we return to ACC play (yes, that's a snotty FSU/Miami/BC/VT aren't real ACC teams reference).

[grossbus]

"but last year some of their obnoxious students yelled things out the whole game and it was all audible on ESPN. They obviously know that happened"

probably the same jerks.

[phaedrus]

I'm worried. Is Henderson jumping to the NBA immediately after this game?

[davekay1971]

Heh heh, Henderson 19, FSU 17, nice...

[Karl Beem]

I like this half.

[Coballs]

Got em.

[SupaDave]

FSU is shooting 23%

[ChrisP]

I like this half too! Nolan's had some really nice plays. I hope we beat the fool out of these jokers the rest of the way. DON'T LET UP!

[ChrisP]

Sounded like someone got T-d up as they just went to timeout..guess we'll see. I hope so :)

[SupaDave]

Jay Bilas names Gerald the "Man of the Match"!

[freedevil]

The FSU "fans" know exactly what they're doing. Don't know if anyone here remembers, but last year some of their obnoxious students yelled things out the whole game and it was all audible on ESPN. They obviously know that happened, and are trying to do the same thing now.

I think you're giving the FSU students too much credit...

[ChrisP]

Apparently, no T. But somehow they managed to reverse the original call that was supposed to be ours out of bounds under our basket...

[ChrisP]

Suddenly, the refs found their whistles. Funny how that happens when one team gets a big lead...

Single's 4th with 10 to go. Not good. Nice block by Dave M though!!!

[FireOgilvie]

We always seem to let teams back in the game after we get a big lead. I would really like to see us blow out an ACC opponent by 35+.

[ChrisP]

We always seem to let teams back in the game after we get a big lead. I would really like to see us blow out an ACC opponent by 35+.

Well it doesn't help when the refs start calling touch fouls on us and look the other way on obvious fouls by FSU. Nolan got HAMMERED a few minutes ago on an offensive board and got no call.

Just got fouled again on an obvious reach in...no call and an easy bucket for FSU. Let's GO DUKE!!!

[Coballs]

Why does this happen almost EVERY time Duke gets a big lead. Year after year after year. It's like a script. FSU should have been buried 5 minutes ago.

[ForeverBlowingBubbles]

i'v been distracted by the weather - i went out to skateboard for a little bit and came back in and its a 10 point game... did we try to start playing stall ball or something?

[FireOgilvie]

Henderson has disappeared again.

The refs have swallowed their whistles.

We've stopped playing defense.

Why isn't Zoubek in the game? I don't even remember seeing him in the 2nd half.

Edit: Henderson shows up and makes two big plays.

[ChrisP]

If I'm not mistaken, we had a 13pt lead with just over 4 minutes to go. No way we lose if we play decent D and make them work, but so far..quick scoring for FSU and empty trips for us the last couple plays...

Why did Smith dribble over into the corner as the shot clock was winding down?

Suddenly, we can't hit from the line...great..

[Karl Beem]

Gosh! MOTM will be tough today!;)

[ChrisP]

At this point, I'd like to simply say TGFG (thank god for Gerald)

[DukieInBrasil]

Did we go to the spread offense after we built the 25 pt lead?

[ChrisP]

Ok, I'll ask it - what is wrong with Scheyer? He's missed 4 FT's and he's like 1-7 from the field...

[FireOgilvie]

The refs are really inconsistent today. They call really questionable touch fouls and then don't call it when guys are smashing into each other. It's really throwing the guys off.

We're having a lot of trouble with the press. Luckily for Duke, FSU can't hit their shots consistently.

[delfrio]

Ok, I'll ask it - what is wrong with Scheyer? He's missed 4 FT's and he's like 1-7 from the field...

Probably all the body blows he's taking.

[Coballs]

Highlights:
1. Winning
2. G
3. Team defense for much of the game
4. McClure's effort

Lowlights:
1. Second half let up after opening up a 25 lead
2. Little to no inside production from LT and Zoubek against the big front line
3. Paulus
4. Singler looking fatigued towards the end of the game (short on his late free throws)
5. No run at all for Plumlee

[Karl Beem]

This should have been easy. We are missing too many FTs.

[SupaDave]

Highlights:
1. Winning
2. G
3. Team defense for much of the game
4. McClure's effort

Lowlights:
1. Second half let up after opening up a 25 lead
2. Little to no inside production from LT and Zoubek against the big front line
3. Paulus
4. Singler looking fatigued towards the end of the game (short on his late free throws)
5. No run at all for Plumlee

We won but we also learned a lot against a very big team. G played great and carried the team. His athleticism trumped their size.

Thomas, McClure and Singler were our post presence and Lance made some very good plays.

FSU was bound to make a run - it was on their home court. Paulus played tough while in the game. I thought his jump ball tussle was key in enforcing the team's collective mindset.

Plumlee was not ready for this atmosphere. An away ACC game can be rough - as you have seen.