Mistakes Catch Up To Duke
The entire game was played at a high level. Each team went back and forth for 35 minutes. However, in the last 5 minutes, Marquette was able to come up with big plays and pull out the victory.
The mistakes of past games smacked Duke in the mouth tonight, as turnovers against a very skilled Marquette team led to fast break points. Marquette went crazy on the offensive glass. Instead of grabbing loose balls, Duke continued to just slap it away, and usually into the hands of a Marquette player. At times Duke got on runs, and looked to pull away. Credit Marquette with never letting in get out of hand, and eventually pulling of the victory.
Down the stretch the Blue Devils had many chance to tie, or get back within striking distance. And in this period, every time McRoberts got the ball, he would miss the lay-up or just turn the ball over. At times it looked like he had come out of his offensive funk of the other games. However, the way he played down the stretch when Duke really needed him was absolutely pitiful.
Nelson started the game on fire. But in the second half was very limited, and couldn't get anything going. The freshmen, which in every other game were terrific, were held in check and never got into a flow.
The box score tells the story of bad shooting. 35.7% from the field(20-56). And 38.5% from behind the arc(5-13).
It would be unfair not to mention Dominic James. The skilled guard from Marquette had a game high 25 points, and came up huge when it mattered most.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
The Duke player of the game was going to be Josh McRoberts. However, when he couldn't get it done down the stretch he put a sour taste in my mouth. You might not agree but I loved the way David McClure provided a much needed spark to the Blue Devils, and he is my player of the game.
After looking at this game in a few days, you will realize that losing is part of the game. This young team needs to learn from this, and just let the game come to them. Duke will bounce back. The young kids will shake it off. McRoberts will forget it and continue to be a dangerous player. Tip your cap to Marquette and lets move on.
*Next up for the Blue Devils is Davidson on Saturday.
The mistakes of past games smacked Duke in the mouth tonight, as turnovers against a very skilled Marquette team led to fast break points. Marquette went crazy on the offensive glass. Instead of grabbing loose balls, Duke continued to just slap it away, and usually into the hands of a Marquette player. At times Duke got on runs, and looked to pull away. Credit Marquette with never letting in get out of hand, and eventually pulling of the victory.
Down the stretch the Blue Devils had many chance to tie, or get back within striking distance. And in this period, every time McRoberts got the ball, he would miss the lay-up or just turn the ball over. At times it looked like he had come out of his offensive funk of the other games. However, the way he played down the stretch when Duke really needed him was absolutely pitiful.
Nelson started the game on fire. But in the second half was very limited, and couldn't get anything going. The freshmen, which in every other game were terrific, were held in check and never got into a flow.
The box score tells the story of bad shooting. 35.7% from the field(20-56). And 38.5% from behind the arc(5-13).
It would be unfair not to mention Dominic James. The skilled guard from Marquette had a game high 25 points, and came up huge when it mattered most.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
The Duke player of the game was going to be Josh McRoberts. However, when he couldn't get it done down the stretch he put a sour taste in my mouth. You might not agree but I loved the way David McClure provided a much needed spark to the Blue Devils, and he is my player of the game.
After looking at this game in a few days, you will realize that losing is part of the game. This young team needs to learn from this, and just let the game come to them. Duke will bounce back. The young kids will shake it off. McRoberts will forget it and continue to be a dangerous player. Tip your cap to Marquette and lets move on.
*Next up for the Blue Devils is Davidson on Saturday.
posted by Tim at 9:34 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home