MBB: Duke vs Texas (Fri, 11/24, 5:30pm ET, ESPN) Pre-Game and In-Game Thread

[Troublemaker]

Put your pre-game and in-game thoughts in here.

[Henderson]

People like to see this as a Bagley-Bamba thing, but I think that's a mistake. If there's a player-player matchup, I think the Carter-Bamba thing will be more interesting. But it's really a question of scoring around Bamba, and that's a team thing. I like our chances. Bamba hasn't shown himself to be an offensive dominator. Duke has more weapons than Texas, and I think that'll be decisive.

[Troublemaker]

A lot of "Bagley vs Bamba" talk (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/marvin-bagley-iii-vs-mohamed-bamba-big-time-big-man-matchup-a-must-see-on-friday/) out there on the hooposphere, but realistically, it's going to be Bamba vs Duke's zone defense and Bamba trying to avoid turnovers against it. NBA scouts are going to be disappointed once again by Duke's choice of defense against a talented opponent.

After the MSU game, I set the over/under for the next time we'll see zone to be today, thinking ahead to Texas. I didn't know the zone would have to be whipped out against Portland St in order to slow their transition, but my theory about Texas still holds. It's early in the season, but the stats suggest that the Longhorns can't shoot, aren't great offensive rebounders, and are not good passers (low assist rate). This is a zoneable team.

[MrPoon]

This game is being looked at as a Bagley vs Bomba but Carter and Bolden will also have a say about that. I think the big to big passing is going to give Texas real problems.

Love to see Trent be a little more involved. He’s better than just the two made buckets yesterday.

[azzefkram]

This game is being looked at as a Bagley vs Bomba but Carter and Bolden will also have a say about that. I think the big to big passing is going to give Texas real problems.

I'd also throw Javin into that mix as well. Bomba and Osetkowski are going to be a handful but I like our plethora of bigs. Also, MBIII and Wendell have shown a nice knack for drawing fouls.


Love to see Trent be a little more involved. He’s better than just the two made buckets yesterday.

Until he can give up his love of all shots bad, a little less Gary on O is not a bad thing. If he could have a shot mix closer to Alex's/Grayson's, I think he would be a force. Plus he might draw more fouls, which wouldn't be a bad thing given that he looks like one of our better foul shooters.

[TKG]

Bagley cannot make this a one-on-one battle with Bamba. My hope is the team will respect this opponent (unlike Furman and Portland State) if for no other reason than Texas is a brand name and Shaka Smart is a known entity.

[flyingdutchdevil]

Elite D vs elite O. I like our chances

[wavedukefan70s]

Foul trouble will dictate this game.
i like our bigs vs texas bigs.we could use some bolden an vrank also.
our guard play will have to be spot on.texas loves to pressure the ball.i believe this will be a better test than msu.

[NM Duke Fan]

I'd also throw Javin into that mix as well. Bomba and Osetkowski are going to be a handful but I like our plethora of bigs. Also, MBIII and Wendell have shown a nice knack for drawing fouls.



Until he can give up his love of all shots bad, a little less Gary on O is not a bad thing. If he could have a shot mix closer to Alex's/Grayson's, I think he would be a force. Plus he might draw more fouls, which wouldn't be a bad thing given that he looks like one of our better foul shooters.

Perhaps the math equation will work out: 4 Talented Bigs > 2 Talented Bigs ...
Duke has a major advantage in passing capacities from many positions and spots on the floor. And perhaps Grayson and Trent have a reversion to the mean game, if they can paly closer to their capacities I like Duke by at least 12.

[subzero02]

Hopefully yesterday's fast pace won't take a toll on our shooting legs today...

I'd like to see Trent and Bolden have good games today. I'd also like to see a new "The Last Jedi" trailer.

[brevity]

People like to see this as a Bagley-Bamba thing...


A lot of "Bagley vs Bamba" talk (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/marvin-bagley-iii-vs-mohamed-bamba-big-time-big-man-matchup-a-must-see-on-friday/) out there on the hooposphere...


This game is being looked at as a Bagley vs Bomba...


Bagley cannot make this a one-on-one battle with Bamba...

Was there a talking points newsletter handed out this morning? I didn't know DBR did a pregame e-mail blast.

[TKG]

Was there a talking points newsletter handed out this morning? I didn't know DBR did a pregame e-mail blast.

I would suggest that great minds..... oh, forget it.

[Troublemaker]

Duval vs Coleman should be of interest, too. We did pursue Coleman for a little bit for the PG spot as we did a bunch of 2017 point guards until Trevon saved our bacon by wanting us in the end.

[Troublemaker]

Checking out ESPN's Live Odds page (http://www.espn.com/espn/chalk/liveOdds), it looks like Texas has taken a lot of sharp (bigger money) bets today.

https://i.imgur.com/FgCyKTI.png


The telltale sign is that the public is all over Duke (83% of the tickets) but the line is moving in the wrong direction from 7.5 to 5.5 now.

Gotta say, I disagree with the wiseguys here. In our ACC betting contest (http://forums.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?40671-Pre-ACC-Picking-Contest-Degenerate-Gamblers-Rejoice!), I'll be putting a ton of fake money on Duke (after waiting to see if the line will continue to dip).

Duke's going to zone Texas, the Longhorns will fail to hurt us, and we'll roll. I think.

[-bdbd]

Yes, I think that we match up well vs UT. They don't have anything near the depth that we do. If refs call it tight (both ways), that generally favors the deeper team -- US in this case.

[summerwind03]

Do you think the game will actually start at 5:30? Or will there be a lag from the previous game?

[uh_no]

Do you think the game will actually start at 5:30? Or will there be a lag from the previous game?

yesterday's was pretty bang on.

EDIT: sorry, it was the later uconn game that was spot on. I watched duke on replay so don't know when it actually tipped

[kmspeaks]

yesterday's was pretty bang on.

EDIT: sorry, it was the later uconn game that was spot on. I watched duke on replay so don't know when it actually tipped

Yesterday's game tipped at 4:38 so should be pretty close.

EDIT: Portland State/Butler have about 6 and a half minutes left at 4:43 EST. That game has to finish and then I'm assuming 20 minute warmup for Duke-Texas, so as long as they get ~6 min of game done in less than 25 minutes we should be good.

[-jk]

DBR Chat (http://forums.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/misc.php?do=cchatbox) is open!

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As always - please follow the DBR Posting Guidelines.

Let's Go Duke!

-jk

[WHOneedsSOX]

I really hope Duke plays Florida next because I want to see Duke against a great 3 point shooting team. In 3 of 4 games this year Florida has made 15-29, 11-25, and 15-22 3's. I think 3 point defense is a big problem for Duke so far this season. I want to see how they defend that.

[tbyers11]

Yesterday's game tipped at 4:38 so should be pretty close.

EDIT: Portland State/Butler have about 6 and a half minutes left at 4:43 EST. That game has to finish and then I'm assuming 20 minute warmup for Duke-Texas, so as long as they get ~6 min of game done in less than 25 minutes we should be good.

Yesterday's Duke game was the first of the session. No lag there

Just showed on ESPN that Duke-Texas will tip at 5:39 ET

[arnie]

We’re only favored by 5.5 pts. Sorry I missed earlier post.

[WHOneedsSOX]

That #21 looks humongous.

[davekay1971]

Not the best start we've ever had...

[WHOneedsSOX]

Not the best start we've ever had...

Gotta go to the bigs. Make #21 try to stay in front of Bagley. See if Bamba can guard Carter.

Maybe Bagley can't.. Twice went 1 on 1 and twice turned it over.

[subzero02]

Wo ist Grayson?

[rsvman]

O'Connell playing well again.

[uh_no]

Wo ist Grayson?

an haufbrauhaus?

[WHOneedsSOX]

Duke in big foul trouble already.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Duval has been a turnover machine the last few games.

[Brockt10]

Free throws and no outside shooting are killing us right now.

[kshepinthehouse]

Can’t let guys celebrate like that. Grayson gets a T for clapping.

[fgb]

Manhandled thus far.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Can’t let guys celebrate like that. Grayson gets a T for clapping.

I bet that's what Coach K was so mad about.

[Duke95]

Bad defense? Check.
Bad shooting? Check.
Incapable of hitting FTs? Check.

Has all the ingredients of a loss so far. Major changes needed in the 2nd half if Duke is going to win this one.

[kshepinthehouse]

Bad defense? Check.
Bad shooting? Check.
Incapable of hitting FTs? Check.

Has all the ingredients of a loss so far. Major changes needed in the 2nd half if Duke is going to win this one.

Hard to come back two points at a time too. Old Duke teams were capable of hitting a flurry of threes to come back. This one doesn’t seem to have that firepower.

[uh_no]

Bad defense? Check.
Bad shooting? Check.
Incapable of hitting FTs? Check.

Has all the ingredients of a loss so far. Major changes needed in the 2nd half if Duke is going to win this one.

it's not just the shooting. the turnovers/ball movement/shot quality has been insanely low.

for those at home

texas efficiency: 123
Duke efficiency: 88

Both are piss poor. for duke.

the bigs are black holes right now. no inside out play. duval has no conscience on the fast break

It should be worse given texas is not hitting some of the really good shots they're taking.

And this one can't be chalked up to excessively physical play...

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Grayson needs to play like Grayson. Everyone needs to shoot well. LGD GTHc!

[BigZ]

Bagley and Carter should get a touch on every possession

[Troublemaker]

Should we start a vigil for an as yet unidentified DeLaurier injury?

If he were fully healthy, he'd be playing way more minutes, right?

We need Javin's speed, athleticism and anticipation on the wing in the zone.

And obviously Grayson has to play much smarter. Senior captain can't pick up 3 fouls in the first half.

[WHOneedsSOX]

The defense is terrible. Way too soft. Texas geta any shot they want. Can't force any turnovers. I think Texas has 1 on a shot clock violation. No "turnovers for touchdowns." Duke made 1 three that half? Bagley's the first couple minutes of the game.

[subzero02]

The defense is terrible. Way too soft. Texas geta any shot they want. Can't force any turnovers. I think Texas has 1 on a shot clock violation. No "turnovers for touchdowns." Duke made 1 three that half? Bagley's the first couple minutes of the game.

The single 3 pointer and the foul shooting are the biggest problems on offense. I am sure K has some choice words

[WHOneedsSOX]

The single 3 pointer and the foul shooting are the biggest problems on offense. I am sure K has some choice words

Not sure either can be fixed though tonight. Allen is way off, maybe cause of the wrist injury? Trent is pretty off. Duval can't shoot. Bagley can't really shoot either.

[weezie]

Chat is heating up. Some folks are heading to the exits already

[WiJoe]

The single 3 pointer and the foul shooting are the biggest problems on offense. I am sure K has some choice words

there's nothing any sane coach can say about local of three-point shooting and horsespit free throw shooting.

[rsvman]

Game is not over, but we are going to need some leadership from Grayson.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Game is not over, but we are going to need some leadership from Grayson.

Good start so far. 3 and an assist.

[Hauerwas]

The was one of the worst 20 minutes of basketball I've seen. I'm amazed at the inability to simply make a free throw. It's a free throw. Unreal. No movement on the zone, Grayson is out of control, just overall pathetic performance so far. Texas is stronger, and moving the ball. We look like we just expect to win. Just poor poor play on so many levels. Duval fades away on his shot. O'Connell was the lone bright spot. Rough start.

[dragoneye776]

So many texas players clapping but I see no technicals...

[weezie]

so many texas players clapping but i see no technicals...


agreed.

[rsvman]

So many texas players clapping but I see no technicals...

There's only one way to get them to stop clapping.....

[OZ]

Not sure either can be fixed though tonight. Allen is way off, maybe cause of the wrist injury? Trent is pretty off. Duval can't shoot. Bagley can't really shoot either.

And Carter is invisible. We don't seem to realize he is out there... and Carter needs to make himself more visible.

[WHOneedsSOX]

And Carter is invisible. We don't seem to realize he is out there... and Carter needs to make himself more visible.

Duke giving Bamba too much respect. Don't think they've posted him up a single time. Let's see if he can play post D.

[rsvman]

Oh, and now there is continuation in college ball?

But transition defense has been really bad.

[fuse]

Slow start (again) and poor defense makes for a long game.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Ugly couple of games by Duke. Looooot of work to do. Texas has played well but they have not looked that impressive today. No reason Duke should be having trouble with them.

[HateCarolina]

I guess we’re going with NBA continuation now on calls.

[HateCarolina]

Oh, and now there is continuation in college ball?

But transition defense has been really bad.

Agreed!! What the heck??

[fan345678]

I guess we’re going with NBA continuation now on calls.

Only for Texas. Multiple instances where our made continuation shots have not counted.

[Eternal Outlaw]

Felt like we got some momentum when Bolden was called on the shot block. Team seemed deflated after that call

[WHOneedsSOX]

The USF-UCF college football game is insane. 35-34 UCF and 2 minutes later it's 49-42. 83 yard td by USF to tie it. Then the kickoff the UCF guy ran it back for a td. 1:28 left in the game.

Thank goodness for 2 tvs haha

[rsvman]

Duval jacking up threes is not the answer.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Duval jacking up threes is not the answer.

Poor shot selection this half. Bolden post move 7 feet away? Ugly. Bagley right hand jump hook? Ugly.

[subzero02]

Our defense is indefensible. Trent needs to decide if he's going to be a spectator on offense or a player.

[WakeDevil]

Is this what you call an elite defense?

[WHOneedsSOX]

Little bit of life and a little bit of luck. Let's see if they can get stops.

[Eternal Outlaw]

Well, at least making have to respond to a run.

[DukeWarhead]

but...but...but....
We have so much depth.... so much talent....
Pffffft.
Gotta play.:mad:

[WHOneedsSOX]

Offense just runs soooo much better with the ball in Allen's hands.

[rsvman]

Allen doing what we need him to do.

If only we hadn't bricked so many free throws in this game...

A few more stops,a few more good offensive plays, and we still have chance.

[subzero02]

Allen with 4 fouls... only down 4 points... about 4 minutes to go...

O'Connell needs to the channel the force... or maybe drop a 3

[BigZ]

Carter has awoken

[WHOneedsSOX]

Allen doing what we need him to do.

If only we hadn't bricked so many free throws in this game...

A few more stops,a few more good offensive plays, and we still have chance.

Or given up so many wide open transition dunks.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

K woke up. Stopped staring, called a TO and thinks the boys are ready for the stretch run.

[Eternal Outlaw]

Had perfect angle, guy going down before touched

[WHOneedsSOX]

Damn....... That could be it.

[subzero02]

Oh Allen... no Allen

[WHOneedsSOX]

Now who do you run the offense through?

[subzero02]

Wendell Carter with the great srep back defense on the dunj... what the heck was he thinking???

[rsvman]

Big mistake by Grayson...

[WHOneedsSOX]

Free throws going to lose us games this year.

[JD for Three!]

Based on the two charge calls on Allen, Bamba should have fouled out on his first five touches of the game. He consistently drops his shoulder and clears out

[rsvman]

Twelve missed free throws!!!!

[WHOneedsSOX]

Based on the two charge calls on Allen, Bamba should have fouled out on his first five touches of the game. He consistently drops his shoulder and clears out

Difference is the opponents are flopping and selling the call. Duke isn't.

[JD for Three!]

Difference is the opponents are flopping and selling the call. Duke isn't.

Totally agree

[WHOneedsSOX]

Can Duke make a free throw and get one stop and rebound? And then have to make more free throws.
if they get that stop.

[WHOneedsSOX]

What a weak call..... Oh my goodness. That's such a soft call when the guy didn't even lose the ball.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Carter got fouled twice. Once on the defensive rebound and then again on the offensive rebound. The guys arm was all over his.

[Eternal Outlaw]

Such a chap foul

[subzero02]

I thought O'Connell had that tip... son of a biscuit

[Bluedog]

I thought O'Connell had that tip... son of a biscuit

I think he rushed it thinking he had to be faster than he did...wide open but had to reach back. Let's win this!! Can't believe it was a Bagley 3 on the play call..

[WHOneedsSOX]

I think he rushed it thinking he had to be faster than he did...wide open but had to reach back. Let's win this!! Can't believe it was a Bagley 3 on the play call..

Wonder if Bagley was afraid of having to shoot free throws so he shot the jumper.

[subzero02]

What's the most foul shots that we've missed in a game under K?

[WHOneedsSOX]

Nope that's not a charge.

[JD for Three!]

Nope that's not a charge.

And Duval was hip-checked into the contact

[subzero02]

Nope that's not a charge.

I agree... should have been a no call and dunk

[WHOneedsSOX]

Bagley being guarded by 6'6 guy. Post him up!

[WHOneedsSOX]

That guy just ran by 3 Duke guys who never even saw him.

[Eternal Outlaw]

We seem really unsure how to run the o, Texas knows they have to play lob and we are clueless

[rsvman]

Transition d is still bad!

Gotta finish this one out.

[subzero02]

The freshmen need to work on their transition defense and stopping the dan ball first and then recovering.

[BigZ]

Duke's guards have been bad on D ever since Wojo left

[WHOneedsSOX]

Texas should just foul Bagley as soon as he gets close to the basket.

[JD for Three!]

Gotta give Grayson the credit for getting us back in this, and the guys on the court - all freshman - credit for finishing it!

[WHOneedsSOX]

Florida's 3 point shooting scares me.

[NM Duke Fan]

Maybe Duke will beat the 5.5 point spread!