MBB: Duke v. VaTech (59th ACC) Pre- and In-game thread

[CDu]

So we get VT tomorrow. They only go about 6+ deep unless Rankin returns to action tomorrow (I didn't catch why he was out). So tired legs could play a factor. Still, they have Green and Hudson and that makes them dangerous. Finney-Smith, Raines, and Eddie are capable bigs as well. They won't go down lightly, that's for sure.

[DukeGirl4ever]

So we get VT tomorrow. They only go about 6+ deep unless Rankin returns to action tomorrow (I didn't catch why he was out). So tired legs could play a factor. Still, they have Green and Hudson and that makes them dangerous. Finney-Smith, Raines, and Eddie are capable bigs as well. They won't go down lightly, that's for sure.


I think I heard them say that he hurt his knee in practice yesterday or sometime this week.

[throatybeard]

Well, the good news is, if you're not in ACC country, the preliminary round and the quarterfinals are on ESPNU.

The bad news is it's on ESPNU, so the SD looks like the inside of Methuselah's cataracts through a glass darkly.

[Newton_14]

Well, the good news is, if you're not in ACC country, the preliminary round and the quarterfinals are on ESPNU.

The bad news is it's on ESPNU, so the SD looks like the inside of Methuselah's cataracts through a glass darkly.

That's spot on analysis. I have Dish Network who for some unknown reason refuse to offer ESPNU in HD (Despite my scathing email to them earlier in the season:)) The SD picture is horrid. I mean it's 2012 folks, and technology has advanced and all that. You can get HD on a freakin Android phone for the love of Jesus. Direct TV has ESPNU HD, as does Time Warner. Can't Dish just make nice and OFFER ESPNU IN FREAKIN HD LIKE THE REST OF THE FREE WORLD!!

Ok, rant over. I feel better now. Thanks for allowing me my moment.

This will be a tough game. Hope we see the focused and ready Duke team that has shown up on neutral courts away from CIS all year. Tough defense and making shots. Mason needs to carry his good play from the 2nd half of UNC into this game and punish Tech inside. Guards just need to hit shots.

[1 24 90]

Well, the good news is, if you're not in ACC country, the preliminary round and the quarterfinals are on ESPNU.

The bad news is it's on ESPNU, so the SD looks like the inside of Methuselah's cataracts through a glass darkly.

All ACC quarterfinals are on ESPN2.

ESPNU has the SEC during the day and the Big 12 in the evening.

[UrinalCake]

Every time I watch one of those "best of" videos on Duke Blue Planet where they combine old highlights with recent ones, I marvel at how we ever got by without high definition. I used to think that recording a show on my VCR under the "high quality " mode produced a beautiful picture. Granted, my tv was smaller than my current computer monitor, but still... how quickly things change.

Vt proved in Cameron that they're capable of beating us. Would love to see the plumlees convert more on the inside as they have a size advantage.

[davekay1971]

Fortunately, we're playing away from Cameron so we should do better against VT this time out! :confused:

Moving on, it'll be very interesting to see the Plumlees paired at the 4-5 for most of the game. I would love to see them both playing aggressively and looking to punish VT on the boards and in the paint. We have an advantage there, and should be able to take advantage of it.

Focus, tough D, aggressive offense. Let's get the win.

[RockyMtDevil]

To state the obvious, we really need to come out and establish the post early and take Tech and their emotional last ditch effort to reach the tourny completely out of play. These tourny's have a way of providing fresh wind to struggling teams, but far to often, if you can jump on them early, they quickly whither and die. Establishing our game early with seperation will go a long way in keeping this from becoming a nail biter. The more we let them hang around, the harder it will be to pull away.

[Dev11]

That's spot on analysis. I have Dish Network who for some unknown reason refuse to offer ESPNU in HD (Despite my scathing email to them earlier in the season:)) The SD picture is horrid. I mean it's 2012 folks, and technology has advanced and all that. You can get HD on a freakin Android phone for the love of Jesus. Direct TV has ESPNU HD, as does Time Warner. Can't Dish just make nice and OFFER ESPNU IN FREAKIN HD LIKE THE REST OF THE FREE WORLD!!

Ok, rant over. I feel better now. Thanks for allowing me my moment.

This will be a tough game. Hope we see the focused and ready Duke team that has shown up on neutral courts away from CIS all year. Tough defense and making shots. Mason needs to carry his good play from the 2nd half of UNC into this game and punish Tech inside. Guards just need to hit shots.

The DirecTV crowd will happily share our access to ESPNUHD once we get ESPN3. I want my Duke football games, and not through pirated internet feeds! The struggle will continue until our demands our met!

Oh, and beat VPISU. Go Duke!

[throatybeard]

I think HD for its own sake is grossly overrated. I have a lot of SP VHS tapes of Met telecasts from the 1980s and 1990s, and they look fine on SD sets at my family's house. Often, over the holidays, I'll be at my folks' house or my MIL's house, and I'm watching football in SD on an SD set, and I don't really miss my flat panel. It's fine. We weren't suffering back then.

What looks like pure, unadulterated, soiled Tom Hanks buttocks is a live SD transmission on an HD set. That combo is a visual dirty diaper. And some are worse than others. I DVR everything on SD so as to save limited space. House MD is OK. But a game on ESPNU looks like you cut Milton's eyeballs out of his grave and stuck them in your eye sockets. On an HD set. Some channels look way worse. This is one.

[OldPhiKap]

That's spot on analysis. I have Dish Network who for some unknown reason refuse to offer ESPNU in HD (Despite my scathing email to them earlier in the season:)) The SD picture is horrid. I mean it's 2012 folks, and technology has advanced and all that. You can get HD on a freakin Android phone for the love of Jesus. Direct TV has ESPNU HD, as does Time Warner. Can't Dish just make nice and OFFER ESPNU IN FREAKIN HD LIKE THE REST OF THE FREE WORLD!!


"Don't wake up in a roadside ditch."

[MCFinARL]

"Don't wake up in a roadside ditch."

Can't spork you right now, so I will just say here--very funny reference. Well done!

[-jk]

I think HD for its own sake is grossly overrated. I have a lot of SP VHS tapes of Met telecasts from the 1980s and 1990s, and they look fine on SD sets at my family's house. Often, over the holidays, I'll be at my folks' house or my MIL's house, and I'm watching football in SD on an SD set, and I don't really miss my flat panel. It's fine. We weren't suffering back then.

What looks like pure, unadulterated, soiled Tom Hanks buttocks is a live SD transmission on an HD set. That combo is a visual dirty diaper. And some are worse than others. I DVR everything on SD so as to save limited space. House MD is OK. But a game on ESPNU looks like you cut Milton's eyeballs out of his grave and stuck them in your eye sockets. On an HD set. Some channels look way worse. This is one.

A lot depends on the up conversion. An SD signal processed well looks a whole lot better than one not up converted or processed poorly. My AV receiver does a nice job of making an SD signal decent.

-jk

[UrinalCake]

To state the obvious, we really need to come out and establish the post early and take Tech and their emotional last ditch effort to reach the tourny completely out of play. These tourny's have a way of providing fresh wind to struggling teams, but far to often, if you can jump on them early, they quickly whither and die. Establishing our game early with seperation will go a long way in keeping this from becoming a nail biter. The more we let them hang around, the harder it will be to pull away.

Agree that the first 5-10 minutes will be really important. The teams that play thursday have a sort-of advantage in that they're warmed up coming into friday's game. Duke by contrast has had a long layoff and hasn't played in the building yet (except for practices). Plus we're adjusting to not having Ryan. If we come out of the gate lackadaisical and they get an early lead, that gives them confidence that they can hang with us (which they already know they can). And the longer the score stays close, the tighter we'll become.

Would love to get an early lead and be able to rotate our bench players in. Let fatigue get to them from having to play from behind. I don't think we'll ever be able to pull our starters completely, given our propensity for blowing leads, but if we can spread the playing time around then that will keep everybody fresh.

[weezie]

the SD looks like the inside of Methuselah's cataracts through a glass darkly.

I am so tired of looking at Seth Greenberg,too. Just really ugh with him and his whole act.

[Duke31122]

I think we will be fine without Kelly. No doubt it hurts us, but it gives others an opportunity to step up and gain some experience.

[gofurman]

I think we will be fine without Kelly. No doubt it hurts us, but it gives others an opportunity to step up and gain some experience.

VT is down Rankin (I think) and Davila. That's a pretty shallo team. Good for our guys. Davila was a killa' in the first game (16pts and 7 boards or something I think) so they really are thin now.

[hq2]

I am so tired of looking at Seth Greenberg,too. Just really ugh with him and his whole act.


Yeah, Seth is first-team all ugly. Last time the game was close because we were tired and they weren't.
This time it's the other way around. We should take care of business here. Time for Miles to really step it
up with RK out.

[aro24]

"Don't wake up in a roadside ditch."

Awesome! I actually just chucked out loud at my desk. Well done sir!

[Scorp4me]

Awesome! I actually just chucked out loud at my desk. Well done sir!

Don't re-enact scenes from platoon with Charlie Sheen.

And for those that haven't seen it...

http://www.buzzfeed.com/aggregate/dont-re-enact-scenes-from-platoon-with-char-52hj

[jv001]

Yeah, Seth is first-team all ugly. Last time the game was close because we were tired and they weren't.
This time it's the other way around. We should take care of business here. Time for Miles to really step it
up with RK out.

So you're the one that carried the sign around Cameron. You know the one that said; "mike okoren All ACC Ugly". GoDuke!

[jv001]

I just heard this story about the G-Man and his love for Duke. He was playing in the pros when Duke played Kentucky in the 1992 NCAAT. You know the one that Christian was perfect from the floor. G-man was on the end of the bench and was not playing much for the NBA team he was on(maybe the sixers). They had been flashing the score on big scoreboard and Mike was not paying any attention to his game. He was concentrating on the Duke score. Well in the closing minutes of his game, the coach told him to go in. Mike said he didn't want to because his team was losing by 25 points. Of course he was more interested in the Duke game, but he finally went in. The score went up where Duke fell behind with 2.1 seconds left. Mike of course was really disappointed but it was not a final score. So as Mike's running up and down the court and looking at the scoreboard the final was posted with Duke winning. All of sudden Mike throws up both arms and let's out a yell. All this with his team getting beat by 27 points. John Feinstein told this story on Mad Dog radio on XM this morning. Of course I can't tell it like he did, but believe me it was funny. GoDuke!

[grossbus]

i have no idea what to expect from this team today, or any other day...

[MCFinARL]

Awesome! I actually just chucked out loud at my desk. Well done sir!

So I'm hoping that's a typo and you actually chuckled at your desk. Otherwise, there must have been a bit of a mess to clean up. ;)

[moonpie23]

Go duke !!!!!!

[MartyClark]

Let's go fellas.

[wgl1228]

Alright boys lets come out strong and play solid basketball.

[chaosmage]

Both are in, let's see how it goes.

[FerryFor50]

Good start, but Hairston needs to not jack up 18 footers so early into the shot clock.

[Dukehky]

Why on Earth does Josh Hairston think he needs to shoot it every time he can see the rim from 17 feet away. He is option number 5, I just want him to understand.

[Devilsfan]

Someone please give Josh the RED light when it comes to shooting.

[FerryFor50]

Someone please give Josh the RED light when it comes to shooting.

I don't mind him shooting - he's got a good looking jumper.

But it's all about shot selection...

[wgl1228]

I cannot understand why this team cannot keep a lead. Be smart with the ball and go down low.

[MartyClark]

Time for Dawkins to step up. Bad move just now.

[riverside6]

Live tempo-based stats for the game here...

http://www.scacchoops.com/ViewHDGame.asp?hSchedule=13656

[duke09hms]

Our guards are SO bad at feeding the post. Mason has had his guy sealed so many times only for our guards to look him in the eye and pass to another guard.

Theyre also killing us on the offensive boards.

[DukieTiger]

If we were able to rebound, we'd be dominating this game.

Offensively, Mason is being assertive in calling for the ball- we've just got to get it to him.

[wgl1228]

We just stand around on D waiting for the ball to come to us. Ughh!

[CDu]

Two quick fouls on Miles. Interestingly, rather than go to Gbinije, Coach K went to a 4-guard lineup for a couple of minutes. Tough for Mike G. Now we're back to Mason and Hairston and a conventional lineup.

It'd be nice if we could get some rebounds.

[duke09hms]

Good entry pass by Tyler, miscatch by Mason - would like to see more of it though.

[wgl1228]

Anyone got any stats on Mason's free throw shooting. He has been great it seems this second half of the year.

[Delaware]

why o why is thornton shooting 3's that early in the clock.
Our defensive reobounding is hurting us badly.

[CDu]

Curry is really sloppy right now. Rivers, on the other hand, is really playing hard. That's at least two steals, and he knocked another ball loose that went out of bounds.

[FerryFor50]

I feel like Mason is playing a little passively on the boards, perhaps to avoid foul trouble since they're thinner on the front line.

Anyone else seeing that?

[Devilsfan]

We've got one player that looks like a Duke player, Rivers.

[wgl1228]

Put in Silent G!

[CDu]

I'm not sure what's up with Curry, but he's been incredibly sloppy with the ball in this first half.

[duke09hms]

If Rivers leaves for the league, I would worry for his safety - he's so skinny.

[CDu]

Hairston is a bit too willing to switch on the high ball screens. He's unnecessarily put himself in tough situations guarding Green up top when he could have easily just hedged and recovered to his man. The Plumlees have not made this mistake as much.

[duke09hms]

HAIRSTON with the NICE MOVE on the fast break. Didn't know he had it in him!

[CajunDevil]

Silent G needs some run...

[MartyClark]

Seth and Andre are silent on offense.WE can break this open if either starts hitting the outside shot in the 2nd half.

[DukieTiger]

Really impressed by Austin's defense this half. He got beat on one back door cut, but his mindset is impressive. He's all about locking down on D. Well done, sir!

[CajunDevil]

Does Uncle Fester annoy anyone else? I can't stand that guy...

[CDu]

Survived to the half without too much foul trouble. Only Miles with 2, and Hairston has none. Miles should be well rested for the second half, too. Hairston gave us some decent minutes while Miles sat.

We've shot incredibly poorly from 3pt range, Dawkins and Curry haven't hit anything, while VT has shot really well from 3pt range, and yet we're up 5. Hopefully we'll shoot it better in the second half and get out of here with a W.

[DukieTiger]

We're definitely still hurting in the rebounding department. VT has rebounded 43% of their misses. That's keeping them in the game. We've played pretty good defense, other than them actually shooting well from 3. I expect Mason and Miles to do more in the second half, and for one of Andre or Seth to hit a shot.

[FerryFor50]

Survived to the half without too much foul trouble. Only Miles with 2, and Hairston has none. Miles should be well rested for the second half, too. Hairston gave us some decent minutes while Miles sat.

We've shot incredibly poorly from 3pt range, Dawkins and Curry haven't hit anything, while VT has shot really well from 3pt range, and yet we're up 5. Hopefully we'll shoot it better in the second half and get out of here with a W.

Announcers mentioned that VT is #1 in the ACC in 3pt defense.

And the looks Duke has had have not been the greatest... at least two were Rivers shooting way too far out. Most of the other misses were contested looks.

[jipops]

How many times this season has Duke given up a bucket on the last possession of the first half? Seems like a lot.

[CDu]

Announcers mentioned that VT is #1 in the ACC in 3pt defense.

And the looks Duke has had have not been the greatest... at least two were Rivers shooting way too far out. Most of the other misses were contested looks.

Actually, we're #1 in the ACC in 3pt defense - both in terms of percentage and makes allowed. VT is more toward the middle of the pack.

As far as the defense they've played, I'd say Rivers took his typical 3s. They look like bad decisions right up until they go in. Unfortunately, they havent gone in. Dawkins hasn't gotten wide open looks, but he's gotten those catch-and-shoot off screens that he can frequently make. Thornton's looks were both wide open. I think we've gotten some good looks, we just haven't hit.

Edit: VT is #1 in overall games, but #5 in ACC games. We're #1 in ACC play, #4 in overall play. I'm gonna guess that non-conference strength of schedule plays a part in that (we take the cake in toughest schedule).

[FerryFor50]

Actually, we're #1 in the ACC in 3pt defense - both in terms of percentage and makes allowed. VT is more toward the middle of the pack.

As far as the defense they've played, I'd say Rivers took his typical 3s. They look like bad decisions right up until they go in. Unfortunately, they havent gone in. Dawkins hasn't gotten wide open looks, but he's gotten those catch-and-shoot off screens that he can frequently make. Thornton's looks were both wide open. I think we've gotten some good looks, we just haven't hit.

That's what I get for believing the announcers. :-P

[CDu]

That's what I get for believing the announcers. :-P

Well, they were half correct (see my edit).

[gumbomoop]

So happy to see Mason not use the rhythm dribble. Easy 2.

[Dukehky]

Maybe not so many threes there Ty. Also, bad call for Miles 3rd. Complete bailout he was almost on the baseline.

[CDu]

Wow, that was an awful call, I think. Third foul on Miles on what looked like a clean block.

[FerryFor50]

Wow, that was an awful call, I think. Third foul on Miles on what looked like a clean block.

Plus is was a really late whistle. Just call it out on Duke and play on....

[CDu]

Thornton is getting too shot happy. Just because he's open doesn't mean he has to shoot it.

[CDu]

Plus is was a really late whistle. Just call it out on Duke and play on....

I'm okay with a late whistle if it's the right call (better late than not at all). But it wasn't the right call.

[gumbomoop]

I'm probably thinking what lots of you are thinking about that foul by Mason.

[FerryFor50]

Thornton is getting too shot happy. Just because he's open doesn't mean he has to shoot it.

He seems to only be able to hit shots from the corners...

[CDu]

I'll say this about Hairston. He definitely doesn't get cheated on effort.

[FerryFor50]

I'm probably thinking what lots of you are thinking about that foul by Mason.

If it's "why are you reaching in 40 feet from the basket," yes.

Bad call or not, don't make it even questionable.

[MartyClark]

I find myself appreciating Ryan. Sometimes a quiet, unspectacular player gets overlooked when playing. His absence really hurts.

[CDu]

I find myself appreciating Ryan. Sometimes a quiet, unspectacular player gets overlooked when playing. His absence really hurts.

He's definitely missed, but a lot of it is that we aren't hitting shots that we normally hit. If we're 5-14 on 3s instead of 2-14, we're comfortably ahead right now.

[RoyalBlue08]

I'm probably thinking what lots of you are thinking about that foul by Mason.

I liked that Tyler slapped him in the back of the head after that foul. Saved the coaches from having to do it.

[MartyClark]

He's definitely missed, but a lot of it is that we aren't hitting shots that we normally hit. If we're 5-14 on 3s instead of 2-14, we're comfortably ahead right now.

True.

[FerryFor50]

He's definitely missed, but a lot of it is that we aren't hitting shots that we normally hit. If we're 5-14 on 3s instead of 2-14, we're comfortably ahead right now.

That's another part of his game he'd help with. Hitting shots.

[CDu]

It's time for Rivers to be the best player on the court. And for Curry to show up.

[CDu]

That's another part of his game he'd help with. Hitting shots.

Sure, when he's hitting his shots, absolutely. But it's also part of Dawkins' game and Rivers' game and Curry's game, too...

The reality is that this is a better VT team than their 10 seed would suggest. They almost beat us in Cameron, and that wasn't a mistake.

[FerryFor50]

Sure, when he's hitting his shots, absolutely. But it's also part of Dawkins' game and Rivers' game and Curry's game, too...

Well he also helps stretch the D. And he's a bit more versatile than Dawkins.

[CDu]

Starting to hit some shots finally. Hopefully that continues. Now if we could just be less sloppy with the ball...

[FerryFor50]

Starting to hit some shots finally. Hopefully that continues. Now if we could just be less sloppy with the ball...

That Plumlee bobble hurt. Would have been a nice momentum building dunk.

[CDu]

That Plumlee bobble hurt. Would have been a nice momentum building dunk.

Yeah, he's bobbled away a few dunk opportunities tonight. We've just been so sloppy in general with the ball. Rivers and Curry have both come oh so close to losing it too (bobbling and then stumbling/diving to tip/pass it to a teammate). Not sure what's going on there.

[CDu]

Only shoot the corner 3, Tyler. Only from the corner.

[MartyClark]

Really a terrible game for Andre. He looks lost out there.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

I know this game is close, but I am LOVING Duke's D and their rebounds. This looks like Duke ball. The shots will come.

I am more optimistic than I have been since five minutes before the UNC game.

[FerryFor50]

I know this game is close, but I am LOVING Duke's D and their rebounds. This looks like Duke ball. The shots will come.

I am more optimistic than I have been since five minutes before the UNC game.

They definitely have picked it up in the 2nd half.

[FerryFor50]

Really a terrible game for Andre. He looks lost out there.

He seems to have fragile confidence. If he misses his first few shots, he's no good for the rest of the game. If he hits the first few, he'll have a big night.

He needs a shorter memory.

[wgl1228]

Is ESPN's box score wrong or does Miles not have any rebounds? This can't happen.

[CDu]

Really a terrible game for Andre. He looks lost out there.

Yeah, he and Curry just haven't had it tonight. And Thornton is just a bit too shot happy out there. Despite all that and getting almost nothing from Miles due to foul trouble, we're still up 8 with the ball. That said, at some point we need to start playing like we want to win it.

[CDu]

Is ESPN's box score wrong or does Miles not have any rebounds? This can't happen.

It's accurate, I believe. He got in foul trouble very early and has played few minutes.

[CDu]

I'm not sure what Greenberg is upset with there. Looked very much like Raines ran Thornton over.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Hairston will really benefit from these big minutes. When Kelly comes back (?) for the NCAA's, we will be bigger and stronger.

Duke's D looks so good right now, it makes you wonder where it's been for the last few months. It's like a switch went off.

I particularly liked the play where Rivers got picked, and then Tyler picked it right back.

Take this game, add 40% three shooting, and we could beat anyone.

[gumbomoop]

Mason takes rhythm dribble, blows easy 2.

[Devilsfan]

Who would have thought Thorton would turn out to be such a tough kid. Wojoesq.

[FerryFor50]

A lot of VTs offensive rebounds have come off of weird bounces off the rim. Can't feel too bad with the effort on the glass, despite the numbers.

[CDu]

Just a horrific shooting night. Curry, Dawkins, and Rivers have gotten good looks, but have shot a combined 2-11. Thornton has "helped" out with 2-8 all but one of them wide open.

[FerryFor50]

Just a horrific shooting night. Curry, Dawkins, and Rivers have gotten good looks, but have shot a combined 2-11. Thornton has "helped" out with 2-8 all but one of them wide open.

I think we're seeing why Thornton is left wide open so often....

[CDu]

I think we're seeing why Thornton is left wide open so often....

Yup. Was it you who said he only hits from the corner? If so, kudos. He's 0-6 elsewhere.

Make that 0-7 now.

[duke09hms]

It seems like we're much tougher defensively with Ryan out of the lineup.

[FerryFor50]

Yup. Was it you who said he only hits from the corner? If so, kudos. He's 0-6 elsewhere.

Make that 0-7 now.

He really needs to just camp out in one of the corners if he plans on shooting.

[FerryFor50]

It seems like we're much tougher defensively with Ryan out of the lineup.

I disagree. Kelly wasn't why the defense wasn't showing up.

[FerryFor50]

Seriously cannot believe they called that touch foul after the 3pt attempt was already away with all the grabbing and pushing VT has been doing on the perimeter.

[gumbomoop]

Again, I'm guessing many, many of you are thinking the same thing I'm thinking with that foul by Seth.

[CDu]

It seems like we're much tougher defensively with Ryan out of the lineup.

We should theoretically be better defensively and on the boards, as those are the two areas that I'd say he lags behind Miles and Hairston. It's a tradeoff for his value offensively, though.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

I disagree. Kelly wasn't why the defense wasn't showing up.

You are both right. The D is better tonight, without Kelly. But I seriously doubt that Kelly is the weak point.

[duke09hms]

I disagree. Kelly wasn't why the defense wasn't showing up.

Holding an opponent to the 40s with 3 mins left is trademark Duke defense, something we haven't seen all season.
Sure it's a sample size of 1, but it does seem like we're contesting much tougher tonight.

Edit: Holding VT to 28% FG. That must be a season low.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Only shoot the corner 3, Tyler. Only from the corner.

Again. Kudos

[CDu]

Corner 3.

[CDu]

Again. Kudos

Credit to Ferry (I think). Not me.

[FerryFor50]

Credit to Ferry (I think). Not me.

Yea, I called it. :)

But hey, ONE TEAM!

[CDu]

They're giving Thornton lots of love for his game tonight, and it's well deserved in many aspects. But he's been way too willing to chuck up 3s today. Twice it's been forced by the shot clock, but he's taken way way too many looks tonight.

Part of the blame for that has to go to Curry. He's been way too passive today.

[muzikfrk75]

I'm confused right now.

[duke09hms]

Wow is Tyler really the guy we want taking the shots with no time left? Multiple times?

[Devilsfan]

Rivers!

[CDu]

That's heart right there. Don't tell me this team isn't tough. Miles makes a great play to tap it way out. And then both Mason and Rivers beat VT to the ball on the other end.

[FerryFor50]

And cue Len Elmore whining about the refs....

[FerryFor50]

Wow is Tyler really the guy we want taking the shots with no time left? Multiple times?

Tech has been forcing the ball to Thornton at the end of the shot clock by doubling off of him to the ball. It's been smart, because Thornton's not been shooting well.

[CDu]

Survive and advance. Hopefully tomorrow we'll shoot it better. Can't shoot it much worse. Curry and Dawkins need to step up. They're better than they showed today.