5 thoughts…
1. As I watched the game, I started feeling similarly to the '91 game vs. UNLV. Both UVA and UNLV expected to win. Duke, the underdog, is fighting and keeping it tough. UVA (UNLV) finally gets a 5 point lead, and you think the game could run away from the Devils. But they fight back. Brakefield's bucket reminded me of Davis's bucket vs. UNLV (though Davis converted his 3-point play). And then UVA has the final shot, they come down and can't hit it. The UNLV win was sweeter, and to me it remains the biggest win in Duke history. But for this season, this win cannot be overstated.
2. Hurt was so solid, hit so many big shots. I was thinking they would need 3 players in double figures with production off the bench to win. I just didn’t think that Brake would be one of those guys. Obviously this was his best game all season. 11/5 with 4 blocks! Steward had been playing so well, but Brake definitely stepped his game up. Duke does not win without him.
3. 18 points off the bench! Coleman played very solid in his minutes. And JGold was his typical pesky self with 4 steals.
4. I'm very impressed with Huff and Hauser. Huff seemed unstoppable when he got the ball down low. But credit Duke's defense and the scheme. They tried to make Clark beat them. He scored 15. But he needed 15 shots to do so, which means he couldn't get the ball to his scorers. So he had to try to score himself. K's plan worked so well... I find it amazing I'm writing good things about Duke's defense given the earlier performances.
5. I hope the team celebrates this win tonight. But they need to keep it rolling on Monday versus Syracuse. We don't want to see another Miami game. Stay sharp, Devils.
9F
I will never talk about That Game. GTHC.