Coming in Duke was a perfect 8-0 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. However, Duke would be put to the test, with a Wisconsin team that matched up with them perfectly. Duke continued what they do best. Making teams play their way, “The Duke Way”.
A whole team of giants wouldn’t have been able to stop the Blue Devils tonight. They quickly jumped on the Badgers and never looked back. 48-25 at the half, and ending at 82-58. Pretty good for a team that was supposed to have trouble with bigger teams. Someone forgot to tell them.
The three pointer was “King” in this one. 11-24 from long range, with Paulus and King leading the way. King continued what he started last game at busted open the first half making shot after shot. He finished with 15 points and 5 boards. Paulus was the other hot hand and also lead the team in scoring with 18 points. Paulus hasn’t shown any signs of letting last year bother him. He looks confident every time he takes the floor, and is really the true leader of this team. King continues to show what being a team player is all about. He is still coming off the bench, but doesn’t seem to care that much, because every time he comes on the floor he is ready to play. Nelson had a rough night shooting, and scored all his points in the second half. However, he did everything else to perfection. His final stat sheet: 9 points, 7 boards, 7 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals. And of course a “in your face” dunk that rivaled Henderson’s against Illinois.
Quick Thoughts
-Duke’s %: 42.6 FG, 45.8 3pt, 82.6 FT Wisc’s %: 36.9 FG, 21.4 3pt, 53.8 FT
-Seven Blue Devils with at least 6 points, five in double figures
-Singler is scrappy, and always finishes with at least 3 fouls. I like it!!!
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Jon Scheyer
With apologizes to Paulus and King, Scheyer had 9 REBOUNDS. That’s right…..9 rebounds against a team with three quality players over 6’10″. He also added 10 points. Player of the game is really getting hard to pick.
Next up: Big game against Davidson Saturday in Charlotte. Davidson just broke into the top 25, and won’t be the doormat like in years past.
Finally. I’m glad we’re going after some more big men. It’s a year late, but I’ll still take it.