Go Duke!!!
Well, here we are. Revenge against UL or another frustrating defensive performance? We shall see.
Watch online at ACC.com or WatchESPN. ESPN went out around start of second half in WNC area so watched the rest on local affiliate. Was better.
Go Duke!!!
Having Jefferson back will make a difference. Not playing in Louisville will make a difference. Having shaken the tourney jitters off and gotten comfortable on the neutral court will make a difference. I think we will win tomorrow!
This is a really important game - maybe the most important ACC quarterfinal game for Duke in the last 20 years. The first time around we were at their place. No Coach K. No Amile. Somehow we kept it within 10 points.
A win will go a long way for the team's confidence (or maybe just my confidence). It's another chance to get Grayson on track. It's likely the difference between an NCAA 4 seed and a 3 seed. Louisville is just tough and good. I am excited about this one and think we will pull it off (an oddly optimistic feeling for this usual pessimist).
"I don't like them when they are eating my azaleas or rhododendrons or pansies." - Coach K
"One POSSIBLE future. From your point of view... I don't know tech stuff.".... Kyle Reese
Duke needs to expect that the refs will not call anything and Louisville will be bumping them all game. I agree with those that Grayson may be better off sitting tomorrow. He is forcing things on offense and it is wrecking havoc on his game.
Luke is going to have to be Luke in the first half, too. If Tatum can keep playing smart, and Jackson can keep being aggressive without turning the ball over, I like our chances.
We kept it close at their house without Jefferson and without K.
We also need to stay out of foul trouble.
Agreed, huge game. Besides being able to secure a 3 seed and probably also locking in the Greenville pod, it would probably also be our best win of the season. We've had several good wins this season -- home against UNC, at Notre Dame, at UVA -- but the added adversity here (0 days rest going against a well-rested Louisville team) and the revenge factor would make this a great win. I would love to have a great win under our belts heading into the NCAA tournament.
In the post-game, Coach K mentioned that one of his priorities is getting Grayson back on track - we'd be tough to guard (to put it mildly) with the four big-time scorers. My feeling is that Grayson's a negative...until he's not. I think he is the key to our post-season success.
As such, I think we need to keep turning the key until the engine roars to life. It's a stormy night. Coach K is Marty McFly. Grayson is the delorean. We've got a couple of minutes until the alarm clock sounds. Gotta keep turning the key and banging on the steering wheel until it clicks. That's the only way we are hitting 88 mph!
"I don't like them when they are eating my azaleas or rhododendrons or pansies." - Coach K
Early betting lines: Louisville by 1-1.5.
Splitting with Louisville would be tremendous, especially since our loss to them occurred way back in January, was a road game, without Jefferson and without Coach K.
Take a look at this boxscore:
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I kind of feel this way, too. The pessimist in me says a fresh Louisville hounding our guards all game will wear us down. The optimist says what CDu said. Since the big road win against Wake, we have been in so many tough, close games and I feel like we continue to get better. Bring it on!
This is the most confusing Duke team I can remember. I understand injuries have played a big role but we should still be better. As much as I blamed the freshman/injuries earlier in the year; I blame our veterans now. Matt, as good defensively as he's been, just can't shoot this year. If he shoots his average from 3 from the last two years, we win a few more games.
Grayson is the biggest surprise. I love the kid and his enthusiasm but he just isn't bringing it. No player, who was the leader for preseason national player of the year, should have a game like this. Even with injuries, there is no excuse.
We saw our potential vs uvla and GT.
Let's get back to clicking, making shots, and win it all.
Grayson was on the verge versus Clemson today. He was moving well, seemingly focused. His second foul was questionable and the 3rd, the technical, was bogus.
We will see the real Grayson tomorrow versus Louisville.
God Bless America!
Go Duke!
The other thing is that all of our key regulatlrs are capable ballhandlers and passers. We are well-equipped to handle Louisville's pressure. Not saying we will do so, but we have the pieces.
The key will be on the other end. If Jones can lock down Mitchell, I think we stand a great chance.