Big Win for Duke

Duke went on the road and got a big 'W' last night with a 93-84 win over the Terps. It was (I think) only the third time in the last eight meetings that Duke has beaten Maryland, who always gives a great effort against the Dukies. In addition, the Devils had to come from behind, trailing (by 9) for the first time all season. A fantastic first half by Gerald Henderson kept them in the game, and then DeMarcus Nelson and Nolan Smith took over in the second half. Everybody continues to harp on Duke's lack of post presence (Osby and Gist combined for 46 & 20) as a fatal flaw, but they keep winning despite of this weakness (against teams such as Marquette, Wisconsin, Maryland, Clemson, etc.). They are winning by spacing the floor, playing pressure defense that leads to turnovers (Maryland had 22 last night) and having lots of weapons that can hurt you. Yes, a post player like Patrick Patterson would be nice (are you enjoying Kentucky's .500 season Patrick), but this Duke team can compete with any team in the country.

As for Nolan Smith, I cannot remember the last time I saw a player improve this much DURING a season. In my opinion, he has become a more consistent asset at the point than Greg Paulus (although Paulus has a knack for a big play or shot at a big time). His defense for a freshman is very strong, and his outside stroke and decision making are getting better by leaps and bounds on the offensive end.

And Nelson is clearly a first-team ACC performer at this point in the season. Probably not a lot of people predicted this at the beginning of the year, but DeMarcus has really stepped up the consistency and level of his play.

Duke and North Carolina continue to separate themselves from the ACC, making it a two team race less than half way through the conference schedule. After UNC disposes of BC on Thursday in the Hill (Chapel, not Chestnut), everybody in the conference behind the two Giants will be at least two games behind UNC, three behind Duke. Should make for a great atmosphere in the Dean Dome when these two meet for the first time next Wednesday (2/6).

Back later with more banter....