Their bigs... Roberts, Tugler and. Francis are all in the mid 50% range shooting free throws. Their guards are really good free throw shooters. That being said, foul their bigs hard to prevent them from making a basket and possibly a 3 point play.
Take care of the ball and rebound. I’ve seen that they’re not a good FT shooting team, so that favors us. It will be a battle between two good defensive teams, but our offense is much better than theirs!
First 4-8 will tell a lot and be critical. Generally there is an acclimation period against Houston and if Duke can be at a stalemate through that time you have to feel good about your chances.
Take care of the ball and rebound. I’ve seen that they’re not a good FT shooting team, so that favors us. It will be a battle between two good defensive teams, but our offense is much better than theirs!
Houston is always a physical, veteran group. I think they throw everything at Coop and Robert’s makes his day tough. Feels like a game someone gets hot from three.
Be Strong with the basketball Duke, attack the paint and use your height advantage, box out and secure the defensive rebounds, take the fight to Houston from the opening tip, foot on the gas pedal the whole time Blue Devils!
Same defensive execution as against Alabama and make a higher percentage of layups and I think we're good. That, and limit turnovers. I think Duke surprises people. Though it shouldn't be surprising.
It’s finally time! This has been the slowest week of recent memory. Duke is currently a 5.5 point favorite over the coogs. According to Kenpom this is the 1 vs 2 matchup with Duke 1 overall and 1 in offense with Houston 1 in D. I expect a war and I expect a win. I don’t think Houston will be able to score quite enough to beat us
No knowledge but John Bol of Ole Miss is an interesting name to me. 7’2’’, bouncy rim runner and shot blocker that is a bit limited offensively in the traditional way. Was a McDonald’s AA last year and I’m sure was coached well by Beard. Seems like the type Jon likes as the 5 - very switchable and a lob threat. Played limited minutes so could possibly sell him on being your 4th big and develope in the mold of Mark Williams, Lively, Mal.
Nantz was a true pro. His steadiness probably helped Packer avoid going completely off the rails.
It’s been said before, but those NBC games with Enberg and Al McGuire were as good as it gets. Bucky Waters was pretty good, too.
Vitale doing those Big East games in the mid 80s was great as well.
I know this won’t be a popular take. I like nantz until it is the end of a game or golf match. He goes full overdramatized commentary that doesnt seem organic. I understand that’s his thing kind of like rafferty doing the farmer fran impression after every tipoff. The dramatic thing just gets old after every game.
