We are a young team that was fighting hard for rebounds, grabbing lots of loose balls, and not backing down on defense. I’m sure we will regress at times but after tonight these are no longer freshmen - they were wearing their big boy pants.
Hubert whined about fouls at halftime. I’m eager to hear what he says postgame. They were taking threes instead of attacking, so they didn’t get fouled - it is pretty simple.
I don't know if the game was just that good, my expectations were lowered, or I have reached a new level of zen maturity but that is the most I have genuinely enjoyed a basketball game in a long time. I wasn't yelling at refs, only slightly annoyed at ESPN's pointless split screen, even Jay Bilas didn't bother me tonight. It was just a really really fun basketball game.
Yes!!!!!
Great win. I can't wait to watch the replay and see if my initial takes were correct. I thought we played great defense and Jon had a really good gameplan. Lively won the game with his blocks, rebounds, and those two putback jams. I am so happy for Jeremy - he's had some tough games against that lot, but he made winnings plays tonight. Overall, our offense was quite bad, but it was enough.
There will be time for sober reflection later. But for now, beer me! Cheers you beautiful people!
Duke is 12-0 at Cameron Indoor this year.
Going to enjoy this one tonight, I'll worry about Miami tomorrow afternoon. Lively was unbelievable, great win. GTHC!!
Iron man Jeremy Roach played all 40 minutes. To go along with his 20 points and 7 rebounds.
Dereck Lively II uses pepper spray to season his meat.
Dereck Lively II is able to slam a revolving door.
So many things to like. One of the most enjoyable and encouraging aspects is that our young team did NOT play like a young team at the end. They were poised, confident, determined and focused on the game plan. To me, it's a great coming out party for this young team becoming a sound, mature basketball team.
“I love it. Coach, when we came here, we had a three-hour meeting about the core values. If you really represent the core values, it means diving on the floor, sacrificing your body for your teammates, no matter how much you’re up by or how much you’re down by, always playing hard.” -- Zion
Bilas said during the pre-game that the game would be about one thing…rebounding. He was right.