Two years, two early than usual exits. For all the hope and excitment that Duke provided us this year, it all ended in one simple loss. A loss that was no different than any other loss this year. The old saying is “Live by the 3, Die by the 3″. Not only did Duke die by the 3, Duke was murdered by it. The 3 should be brought up on charges, and sentenced to death for the senseless slaying of Duke. Seriously though, Duke’s entire post season was a horrific display of shooting the long ball.
After Duke started off with an unbelievable defensive display shutting down the West Virginia attack, they were very efficient in their offense and lead the Mountaineers at the half. Whatever might have happened in the first half, didn’t matter. Duke was a different team, West Virginia was a different team. Duke would not make another 3 point shot until West Virginia already had the game pretty much locked up. There was no suffocating defense for Duke, there was no one player who took over,and in the end all Duke could do is watch someone else celebrate victory.
DeMarcus Nelson had a senior year that showed what kind of talent he was capable of, and he really was a true leader for this team. But when it counted Nelson was no where to be found. Unfortunately, his unbelievably bad tournament play will most likely be what everyone remembers this year. I don’t think I ever remember one person laying such a huge egg in the tournament. I feel for Nelson, and wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors.
This tournament, even though how short it might have been shows two players who were so consistently good for Duke. Gerald Henderson, of course from his outstanding play in the Belmont game had another solid game in the loss. He finished with 18 points. Jon Scheyer who has been the model of consistent play for Duke this year was Duke’s other bright spot finishing with 15 points.
In the end the big players for Duke couldn’t step up and take over the game. Nelson, Singler, Paulus. All of them couldn’t overcome their shooting woes. Duke has been a beaten team when they have stepped out on the floor these past few games. No confidence, no talent. They needed to out work the other team, and they couldn’t do it.
Duke finishes the year at 28-6.
*After the season I will write my review of Duke and their season.
