I don’t care that it is the end of January.
I don’t care that Maryland was .500 in the ACC.
I don’t care that Maryland is unranked.
Duke’s victory last night over the Terrapins, 93-84, was a statement game.
Down nine at half, on the road, and the Terrapins clicking on all cylinders the Blue Devils stepped up and took the game away. Within ten minutes the nine point deficit was a nine point lead.
DeMarcus Nelson is showing that he wants to be a leader. He dropped a career-high 27, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out four assists. His two steals early in the second half showed Maryland they would get nothing easy. His left handed finish going to the basket was rock solid.
Last night was also a coming-out party for Nolan Smith who scored 14, pulled down six rebounds, but most of all he provided a solid ball handling presence late in the game.
Gerald Henderson continues to impress. The sophomore has developed a nice mid-range game to go with his ability to finish in the paint.
Last week announcers called Duke’s victory over Clemson a statement game; it didn’t do much for me. Last night against a Terrapin team buoyed by a recent triumph over the Tar Heels, now that is more like it!
I’m lickin’ my chops. Win or lose – the rest of the season should be exciting.
Great game and I think Duke is for real. I really enjoy watching Maryland play. In my opinion Gary Williams is one of the best coaches in college basketball. He always gets his kids ready to play and your team has to play well to beat them.
Maryland has given Duke fits the last couple of years, so this was a huge, huge win. They looked solid. Tight defense and a great game by DeMarcus Nelson. This group of freshmen are impressive.
I agree with Joe – Gary Williams is a helluva coach. He did it first at Ohio State and now Maryland. Maryland is one of the few teams that is not intimidated when it plays at Cameron.. That is a tribute to Gary Williams.
But Duke is for real this year. I wish they had a little more size down in the post, but even without they are tough.
JD- great to have you back on the Clipboard. To quote Diana Ross: “Our world is empty without you…”
Gary Williams year in and year out gets the most out of his kids. They moved the ball well on the interior last night. Duke’s D on the perimeter was suffocating.