MOTM: Duke vs. Va State (Oct 28, 2016)

[JBDuke]

Who was Man of the Match in Duke's 90-59 exhibition win over Virginia State?

[Troublemaker]

Luke had a great game and I won't quibble with his selection as MOTM.

However, the "story of the game" was Marques. He's better than I thought he'd be, and I've mentally raised Duke's ceiling a little bit with that knowledge in hand. In particular, he looks like he could be Duke's best shotblocker since Shelden (although sophomore McRoberts is underrated and should be in contention as well). It's only one game and we'll need to see him repeat this rim protection against good Div-I teams, but I think I see real shotblocking talent with how graceful he is on his timing and obviously also his length.

BTW, as a team, 13 blocked shots. I wonder how long it's been since Duke has spiked that many basketballs.

[Troublemaker]

BTW, as a team, 13 blocked shots. I wonder how long it's been since Duke has spiked that many basketballs.

Heh, I checked it myself. Including exhibition games, it's been since 2006 since Duke has blocked as many as 13 shots. Duke blocked 14 shots in a home game against Maryland that year (http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=224816), with Shelden contributing 10 blocks as part of a triple double.

We've played some truly horrible exhibition opponents over the years. I'm almost certain Virginia State is better than the St. Augustine's team we beat 141-68 (http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205017577) in the 2010 season. Even in that game we only blocked 10 shots.

[moonpie23]

Who was Man of the Match in Duke's 90-59 exhibition win over Virginia State?

it certainly wasn't Moonpie......poor planning on my part...guilty...