***DUKE VS WISCONSIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIAL GAMEDAY THREAD***

[krzyzewskiville]

My apologies for the tardiness of this thread. We arrived late to Indy last night and are just waking up.

This thread will be relatively short and sweet since it's on my tablet.

First, I'm a little surprised Duke is the underdog after similar regular season records and the one head-to-head was a sound beating by the Dukies at the very difficult Kohl Center...Oh well today is a be day.

But it's going to be a great day - and a repeat of that December day! I think Duke continues playing its smothering defense and does enough on the offensive end to finish off the Badgers and bring home Coach K's 5th title and second in five years!!!!

I'm so excited to be at the game tonight- it's the chance of a lifetime for me!!!

Tonight's game is slated for a 9:20est tip and will air on CBS HD.

Duke 64

Wisconsin 59

DUKE BRINGS HOME #5!!!!!

LETS
GO
DUKE!!!!!!!



This post was edited on 4/6 11:37 AM by krzyzewskiville

 

[crazyduke3]

If we play 40 minutes of serious serious defense and still lose so be it. I can carry on with that. These boys have given us a special year



Just. Freaking. win. I don't care how.

Duke gets five.

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

We're the Rodney Dangerfield of #1 seeds...we don't get any respect...so why start now. Duke is playing the best ball of the entire season...and that's saying something. The Badgers are very good, and are certainly capable of winning, but this is Duke's moment. Go get 'em Devils!

Duke 70
Wisconsin 62

OFc

 

[FearTheBeard]

Win or lose, I'm damn PROUD of this team!!!!! That being said, GO GET ONE FOR THE THUMB!!!!

Duke 77
Wisconsin 74

 

[MSUbluedevil]

Close, hard-fought game. I think we pull away with FTs down the stretch.

Duke 74
Wisconsin 66

Let's go get it!

 

[Showenuff]

I think we are the underdog. It's upperclassmen vs freshmen. They don't foul much. They play smart. Dekker may be playing even better than Kaminsky now. We shot over 60% vs them last time, I think we all know that ain't happening this time. They want revenge as well as a ship'. I still like our heart better. Okafor, Jones, Winslow and Cook want to win, but they also want to be responsible for earning K his 5th. It's important to them. It's a huge wall for us, but we can do it. It's gonna take our best effort yet though. GO DUKE.

 

[K-oach Q]

I just feel like we have been the best team all year. I know Kentucky was undefeated but nobody has beaten the teams we have.mthis team has been insanely good against the good teams. I think this will be a culmination of a great year. Afterwards everyone will be saying how we have been the best all year when you look at it so its no surprise.

Foul trouble is my only real concern......

Duke 77
Wisconsin 70

 

[bleediteveryday30]

It seems all the talking heads are favoring the Badgers and they are everyone's emotional pick. Once again, here we are in Lucas Oil Stadium and we are the bad guys. However, this time we are underdogs and if you go by what everyone says, it is by more than the line in Vegas. I am torn as what will happen tonight. On the one hand, I think we are playing our best ball of the year and if we continue to do so, then we win. On the other hand, Wisconsin has been here before and they just seem unstoppable on the offensive end right now. Our defense will have to play at the highest level in which it has played all year long. I have believed in this team all year. There have been many ups and downs that is for certain. How many of us thought after losing at ND and Sheed being dismissed we would be playing for a national championship this season? Hell, if Coach K is surprised because of our youth. That is just a testament to the closeness of these guy's and the leadership of Quinn, Amile, and I think Marshall as well these last two months. This team has grown into something on the defensive end that I didn't think we could do a few months ago and I am damn proud of these boys no matter what happens tonight. That said, we are in for our toughest battle of the year and I believe we can do it. Not picking a score. Just win baby. BRING NUMBER 5 HOME FELLAS!!!!! LET'S GO DUKE!!!!!

 

[Neners]

Just want to say that this is one beautiful thread title. I can only think of one other that would be even prettier.

 

[youngman42]

I just really have no feel for who will win this game. So many variables for both teams (Duke youth; needing another complete game; Okafor has to be big; etc.; then Wisconsin - hangover from semis?). Fouls could play a part - there are several keys for Duke but I just can't predict.

 

[DukeSky85]

Im so excited for this one. Its been a great and emotional year. I think our defense continues to step up. You can tell these kids want it bad. That being said

Duke 72
Wisky 62

 

[dukiejay]

This is everything we could have hoped for back in November....to be playing on the final night of the college basketball season, with the eyes of the world on this group and playing for the ultimate prize.

Two great teams. Two great coaches. And lots of great kids on both sides.

I just feel this team has "it" and will refuse to let the opportunity slip away.

Duke 74
Wisconsin 71

 

[DiehardDukeFan4Life]

I remember having a conversation with someone in one of the threads awhile back when we ended the regular season on an 11 game win streak and hoping we ended the season with a 20 game win streak and an ACC and NCAA title. After we lost to Notre Dame in the semis of the ACCT I predicted that we would end the season winning 18 of our last 19 games. I still believe that will happen and we'll bring home title #5 tonight. GO DUKE!!!

Duke 80
Wiscy 70

This post was edited on 4/6 1:31 PM by DiehardDukeFan4Life

 

[Crank_it_loud]

Duke 71
Wisconsin 70

Cook hits a lay-up at the buzzer.

 

[GoDuke'13]

So proud of this team and what a special year. The week of Jan 14 was a pivotal point in this season. I remember some of the questions and worry about this team. 2 convincing losses to State and Miami, questions about the defense, and then the dismissal of Sulaimon. This team could have let that week snowball on them and hurt their season or they could come together, work harder and kick ass. Thank god they chose the second option. No matter what happens tonight this was such a special team and season. BRING HOME #5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Duke- 73
Wisconsin-67

 

[kailman]

we will play well and we will win

 

[DukeSky85]

Im not going to be able to get anything done at work today....

 

[Lil' Hurley]

If we bring it like we are capable of, then I think we are taking this thing back to Durham.

 

[DukeSky85]

The real question is..has the money been dropped off?

 

[germantondevil]

I like Dukes chances if they bring the defense that they have been playing for the last 6 weeks or so. They can ramp it up and lock you down when they bring it. They shut the Zags potent offense down and the way they locked up Mich St when they went down 14-6 was impressive. Mich St was on fire on the offensive side of the ball coming into the FF. Bring the D and let everything else fall where it may. Wisc. is playing out of their minds also..so it should be a great game.

 

[smashmouth5]

The Drive for Five...One for the Thumb...Just Win Baby.

LET'S GO DUKE!

 

[JCColsCane]

Originally posted by youngman42:
I just really have no feel for who will win this game. So many variables for both teams (Duke youth; needing another complete game; Okafor has to be big; etc.; then Wisconsin - hangover from semis?). Fouls could play a part - there are several keys for Duke but I just can't predict.

Add to this^, Coach K is 0-3 against #1 seeds in the NCAA Tourney! Incredible. I just hope all of you are correct on your pick, at least one more time.
There is no limb to go out on now, this is it, and I don't know if I can stand not seeing this Kids smiling and cutting down the nets tonight.
I will say it one last time this year (sorry), but if we Focus, talk on defense, switch and help, we will be fine. I have not picked against these kids this year, and to do so would be going out on limb.
Duke will win their 5th National Championship tonight!!
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[DukiesDohK]

Duke 78 - Wisky 65.

After initial jitters, I see Duke settling in to a 5-8 point lead, withstanding some runs, ending it by making free throws down the stretch. Dekker comes back to earth. Our guards get where they want on O. Okafor plays with a chip on his shoulder after Kaminsky get NPOY. Amile and Allen play big roles off bench. Amile by defending. Allen by attacking and creating foul problems along with a timely three.

#5. Hanging banners. Go Duke!

 

[Showenuff]

Okafor has to bring it tonight. He can't hang out in the background. This game is simply all about him. He needs to attack the rim. If he comes out aggressive, it will draw more attention to the lane and open it up for Tyus, Matt and Quinn. He needs to dole out foul problems by aggressive play.

 

[DukeDenver]

Cook saves us late.

Duke 74
Wisc 71

 

[Laettner]

Two heavyweights squaring off with immense talent & heart. Too many variables to mention so I'll pick us b-c we have K.

Duke - 67
Wiscy - 66

Me - heart palpatations

 

[skysdad]

Duke 77
Wisc. 70 OFC

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

I already need a Xanax I.V.,

 

[GTHC_ GTH!]

It's so surreal to say that DUKE IS PLAYING IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TODAY!!!!!! We all hope for it every year and then happens. You try to think about other things all day. But, all you want is for the game to start. I think Tyus and Quinn are due for big games. They have been somewhat quiet all tourney and no better way to go out Quinn than have a great game followed by A RING AND BANNER!! Keep the defense up and let's take it home.



Duke 75
Wisky 69

 

[Dukesince90]

Gonna be one helluva a battle! I think it will be close from tip to buzzer with Duke squeaking by 72-69.

 

[BTMGarnet]

Originally posted by JCColsCane:

Originally posted by youngman42:
I just really have no feel for who will win this game. So many variables for both teams (Duke youth; needing another complete game; Okafor has to be big; etc.; then Wisconsin - hangover from semis?). Fouls could play a part - there are several keys for Duke but I just can't predict.

Add to this^, Coach K is 0-3 against #1 seeds in the NCAA Tourney! Incredible. I just hope all of you are correct on your pick, at least one more time.
There is no limb to go out on now, this is it, and I don't know if I can stand not seeing this Kids smiling and cutting down the nets tonight.
I will say it one last time this year (sorry), but if we Focus, talk on defense, switch and help, we will be fine. I have not picked against these kids this year, and to do so would be going out on limb.
Duke will win their 5th National Championship tonight!!
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

Huh? What about UNLV in 1991?

 

[Laettner]

Originally posted by btmblue:

Originally posted by JCColsCane:

Originally posted by youngman42:
I just really have no feel for who will win this game. So many variables for both teams (Duke youth; needing another complete game; Okafor has to be big; etc.; then Wisconsin - hangover from semis?). Fouls could play a part - there are several keys for Duke but I just can't predict.

Add to this^, Coach K is 0-3 against #1 seeds in the NCAA Tourney! Incredible. I just hope all of you are correct on your pick, at least one more time.
There is no limb to go out on now, this is it, and I don't know if I can stand not seeing this Kids smiling and cutting down the nets tonight.
I will say it one last time this year (sorry), but if we Focus, talk on defense, switch and help, we will be fine. I have not picked against these kids this year, and to do so would be going out on limb.
Duke will win their 5th National Championship tonight!!
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

Huh? What about UNLV in 1991?

'Zona in '01

 

[Swim_Bike_Run]

IMO Duke has been severely under valued by Vegas the entire tourney. I believe we have easily covered all 5 games this far. Keep in mind the spread that is put out by the handicappers has little or nothing to do with the previous matchup, emotional factors or the like. It is strictly a statistical analysis bases on certain metrics..the truly unmeasurable metric however is this team's heart.

I have been a nervous wreck all the way back to the SDSU game up to and including the MSU game. This team has had a focus like I've not seem before and I am amazed by the defensive execution and intensity we have displayed in the tourney.

I am very nervous about this game again but after seeing the look of determination at the team press conference I'm convinced this team is on a freakin' mission.


Having Cook hit the game winner is hard to fathom. I think I'd rather see that happen than hit the powerball. Well maybe not but it's sure damn close.

 

[dukedevilz]

Originally posted by Laettner:

Originally posted by btmblue:

Originally posted by JCColsCane:

Originally posted by youngman42:
I just really have no feel for who will win this game. So many variables for both teams (Duke youth; needing another complete game; Okafor has to be big; etc.; then Wisconsin - hangover from semis?). Fouls could play a part - there are several keys for Duke but I just can't predict.

Add to this^, Coach K is 0-3 against #1 seeds in the NCAA Tourney! Incredible. I just hope all of you are correct on your pick, at least one more time.
There is no limb to go out on now, this is it, and I don't know if I can stand not seeing this Kids smiling and cutting down the nets tonight.
I will say it one last time this year (sorry), but if we Focus, talk on defense, switch and help, we will be fine. I have not picked against these kids this year, and to do so would be going out on limb.
Duke will win their 5th National Championship tonight!!
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

Huh? What about UNLV in 1991?

'Zona in '01

Zona was a 2 seed in 01, but K has already beaten a fair amount of 1 seeds:

88- Temple
89- Georgetown
90- UConn
91- UNLV
94- Purdue
99- Michigan State

I'm guessing JC meant 0-3 against #1 seeds in the championship... UNLV in 90, Arkansas in 94, and UConn in 99.

 

[skysdad]

Originally posted by DukeSky85:
The real question is..has the money been dropped off?

I thought you were going to take care of that.

OFC

 

[HeLooks2MuchLikeDave]

Coach K is 0-3 against #1 seeds in championship games. '90 UNLV, '94 Arkansas, and '99 UConn. But he has beaten plenty of #1 seeds in the tourney ( '86 '88 '91 '94 '99)

I don't know which way this game will go. One of these teams is a team of destiny. Destiny seems to be leaning pretty heavily to Wisconsin. But I can't shake the feeling that they won their championship on Saturday.

I'll pick Duke and why the heck not. 72-69.

 

[HeLooks2MuchLikeDave]

Sorry to copy your post dukedevilz!

 

[Crank_it_loud]

I picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue....

This post was edited on 4/6 2:52 PM by Crank_it_loud

 

[dukiejay]

^ Hahaha.....we need some levity on a day like today.

 

[gottagonow]

Originally posted by skysdad:

Originally posted by DukeSky85:
The real question is..has the money been dropped off?

I thought you were going to take care of that.

OFC

Wait a minute now, both of you have me worried it hadn't been paid so I just sent a same day paypal payment to the officials. I did send a little extra so it wouldn't be a nail biter.