Paulus Leads, Duke Wins
New York City, Madison Square Garden. Many people have made their names at the Garden. Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, and JJ Redick. A new guy stepped up when it mattered most. His name is Greg Paulus, the Duke point guard that everyone loves to criticize. Even I have been guilty of saying he is no good. But tonight was all about Paulus. Without him, Duke would be looking at a lose, and wondering what the rest of the season would hold.
Everyone feed off Paulus, as this was a total team effort. Every player on the floor contributed and lead Duke to a big win on the biggest stage.
The first half was a complete embarrassment to college basketball. The score was 21-20, with Gonzaga holding the slight advantage. Of course, most couldn't see it because of the Pitt, OSU game going to OT's. Thanks to Yahoo! Sports for keeping me up to date within three seconds of the ESPN update.
The first half doesn't matter, what matters is the way this team adjusted for the second half. The main rotation for this game was Henderson, Nelson(fouled out), McRoberts, Paulus, Scheyer, and McClure.
Henderson played a solid game contributing in anyway he could. Nelson had some big rebounds late in the game, but had a stupid foul, and was forced to leave the game. Scheyer had a rough night shooting the ball, but was able to settle down and still get 14 points. McRoberts had a great game in every aspect. His stat line was 11 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. That is versatility, and you can't teach that. McClure played great, and really helped keep this game is Duke's favor. If only he could of came down with the dunk that was blocked....It would of been unbelievable. The defense was great. And that was a huge key to victory. Stopping this explosive Gonzaga team will be a real lift come ACC play. I think all of Blue Devil nation realizes now that this defense is for real, and it can take us a long way.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Greg Paulus
Big players come up in big games. That is exactly what Greg Paulus did tonight. He played like a Duke point guard should play. He was all over the court, and when he went down my heart skipped a beat. Then he comes back out a couple plays later, and continues to play hard. Unbelievable performance that will hopefully continue.
*I wish every reader of THE BLUE DEVIL BLOG, a very Merry Christmas, and a very happy and safe New Year!!!
Everyone feed off Paulus, as this was a total team effort. Every player on the floor contributed and lead Duke to a big win on the biggest stage.
The first half was a complete embarrassment to college basketball. The score was 21-20, with Gonzaga holding the slight advantage. Of course, most couldn't see it because of the Pitt, OSU game going to OT's. Thanks to Yahoo! Sports for keeping me up to date within three seconds of the ESPN update.
The first half doesn't matter, what matters is the way this team adjusted for the second half. The main rotation for this game was Henderson, Nelson(fouled out), McRoberts, Paulus, Scheyer, and McClure.
Henderson played a solid game contributing in anyway he could. Nelson had some big rebounds late in the game, but had a stupid foul, and was forced to leave the game. Scheyer had a rough night shooting the ball, but was able to settle down and still get 14 points. McRoberts had a great game in every aspect. His stat line was 11 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. That is versatility, and you can't teach that. McClure played great, and really helped keep this game is Duke's favor. If only he could of came down with the dunk that was blocked....It would of been unbelievable. The defense was great. And that was a huge key to victory. Stopping this explosive Gonzaga team will be a real lift come ACC play. I think all of Blue Devil nation realizes now that this defense is for real, and it can take us a long way.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Greg Paulus
Big players come up in big games. That is exactly what Greg Paulus did tonight. He played like a Duke point guard should play. He was all over the court, and when he went down my heart skipped a beat. Then he comes back out a couple plays later, and continues to play hard. Unbelievable performance that will hopefully continue.
*I wish every reader of THE BLUE DEVIL BLOG, a very Merry Christmas, and a very happy and safe New Year!!!
posted by Tim at 8:21 PM
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