Onto the Sweet 16 for Duke

Posted On: March 23, 2011 By: Cliff Comments: (one)

It’s been a few days since Duke defeated Michigan 73-71 and I can honestly say that my heart is finally done trying to jump out of my chest. They always say “Survive and Advance” and that was surely the case on Sunday for the Blue Devils. A last second wide open shot by Michigan missed and Duke “survived” an upset bid by the Wolverine and moved on to the Sweet 16 out in Anaheim.

Some quick thoughts on the game against Michigan. Duke does not win this game if Nolan Smith does not score 10 straight points in the second half. He basically lifted the team on his shoulders for two minutes and completely took over the game by knocking down wide open shots and sending Tim Hardaway Jr. to his butt on a nasty cross over. Without that 10 point swing, I really believe Duke’s season would be over.

I never ever want to see that 1-3-1 defense again. At least not until Duke has some big guys that can pass the ball without giving it away to the opposing team. There was a reason you didn’t see the Plumlee’s in the game as much in the second half…

Also, can we please not go to the stall game being up so early? I know the thought behind it, but when you are not scoring and being rushed to force up a shot with under five seconds left it’s not the correct move in my opinion.

Ok, so enough about the Michigan game. It’s time to start looking ahead at the Arizona match up on Thursday night out in Anaheim. It’s the late game but the team arrive out on the West Coach Tuesday so hopefully they will have time to adjust to the time change. Earlier Coach K actually told his team to try and stay up later so they can get accustomed to the late game. Expect to see a big Pac10 / West Coast fan base for the games with Arizona and San Diego State both still playing.

Duke is currently favored by 8-9 points depending where you look. That spread is right where the Michigan game was on Sunday so I’m not sure how to take that. Arizona brings a 29-7 record into the game. One thing is for sure, if Duke wants to advance they are going to have to slow down Derick Williams who is average 19 points and eight boards a game. This is going to be a tough match up for Duke I think and I really hope that Kyle Singler has the ability to shut Williams down without getting into foul trouble.

It’s Sweet 16 time and I cannot wait for Thursday night. I think the guys pull out a win and move onto the Great 8.

Category: Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Game Notes

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One Response to “Onto the Sweet 16 for Duke”

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October 18th, 2011 at 11:13 am
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