It had all the makings of a trap game upset. Duke was just two days removed from a tough battle against NC State. The North Carolina game was coming up. However, Duke took care of business and sent the Miami Hurricanes back to tan in the sun.
Duke looked a little rough in the first half, but Miami’s inability to take advantage of a watered down Duke offense, kept Duke ahead by seven at the half. Typical of Duke’s past couple games they came out of the locker room firing, going on another huge second half surge. Miami was never able to recover, and Duke went on to win handily 88-73.
It was the usual suspects that scored big for the Blue Devils. Nelson(21) was the top scorer for Duke once again. Just another day at the office for the Duke captain. Most of those 21 points, Nelson put up in a big second half. He also finished with 4 assists and 0 turnovers. Paulus(16), and Singler(14) were the other double figure scorers for Duke.
Quick Thoughts
-Gerald Henderson was 1-10 from the field and had 4 turnovers. Possibly the worse game of the year for Henderson.
-Duke held Miami’s star player, McClinton, to 5-14 from the field.
-There were 54 fouls called in the game. Either team had a tough time finding a rhythm with all the whistles.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
DeMarcus Nelson
It might be tough for Nelson to get the ACC POTY, what with Hansborough having so much publicity, but DeMarcus is definitely making a hard push. Nelson has been Duke’s most consistently best player. Duke will need a big game from their captain to pull off a tough win in Chapel Hill.
Next up: The game that this team has been waiting for. Duke will take that nine minute drive to Chapel Hill to play their most hated rival. When that game happens it will most likely be Duke #2, UNC #3. The entire nation will be watching the greatest rivalry in college basketball, with once again both teams being two of the most elite teams in the nation. If Duke wins they will not only get braggin rights, but be in the drivers seat for the ACC championship.