Stumble It!
Josh McRoberts scored 20 points and Greg Paulus had 12 for Duke, but it wasn't enough as the Blue Devils fell by a score of 72-60 Sunday. The Blue Devils' previous three losses were by a combined nine - Continue
Duke dropped it's fourth straight game, as Maryland jumped on the youthful Blue Devils early and often. The Terps are a match up problem for Duke and lets face it -- they hate us!
I still can't figure how Maryland is considered our rival with scheduling. (meaning we play them twice every season) NC State, UNC and Wake Forest have been our rivals since the Southern Conference days.
Anyhow, the team needs support more than ever, because the margin of error is very slim with the upcoming schedule.
Nelson's early foul trouble hurt as did the team not valuing the ball on the offensive end. Add to that the first truly hostile crowd Duke has faced this season, the monkey of losing some close contests and you have a fragile situation.
Some of what we are getting is payback, but one key issue is offensive chemistry. Somebody has to step up and want the big shot and more importantly feel confident when taking it.
Duke has made some good runs during each loss, but they fail to finish the game strong.
So, don't think the staff isn't as miffed as we are, in that the team seems to find ways to lose. Whether it be missed free throws, driving to the basket only to turn the ball over late in the game, or losing concentration.
One more observation ... no senior leadership. How long has it been since we have nothing but walk on's on senior day?
You can't inject experience, but you can sure learn from it and rest assured this team will get better from this losing streak.
That losing streak may continue, when Duke travels to Boston College. Losing that game would drop the Devils to 5-7 in the conference and the talk of the bubble will get more play on message boards than it deserves.
In my opinion Duke has to win it's remaining home games, going at least 7-9. Don't be surprised if they steal another road win and go 8-8. Either record should get them into the NCAA Tournament, a streak they hope to keep.
I hear chirping of fears that Duke will fall out of the top 25. You don't want to know how long it has been. It's another record they hope to keep. I feel Duke will some be at the tail end this week, perhaps even 24 or 25.
Anyhow, this is a time when some bandwagon fans will change their rooting interests, but true Blue Devils know that this team will not give up and feel blessed for many great seasons.
I think the players need to loosen up on the offensive end and have more fun. If they can get the pressure under control, and value the ball more, Duke can still make some noise before this season is out.
I will have some more thoughts as the week goes on, but until then show a little understanding for a young team and don't try to tell a guy with 770 something wins how to coach on all the message boards.
Duke will try to regroup in practice this week. They will take a long trip to Boston College where Dudley and company await. In fact, Duke has but two more games in Durham and four road affairs left on the regular season schedule.
Feb. 14 at Boston College
Feb. 18 Georgia Tech
Feb. 22 at Clemson
Feb. 25 at St. Johns
Feb. 28 Maryland
Mar. 4 at North Carolina
You can't help but notice that three games (at Clemson, at St. Johns and Maryland at home) are in nine days time.
Duke Off vs.
Maryland Def