In a game where the Blue Devils shot better from 3 than from 2, Duke used a late second half run to outlast the Heels in a tough fight in the Dean Dome. The Tarheels may not have one the game but this is a game that the Heels can build on, they played Duke to a standstill in the first half and took the lead in the second until Duke ran away with it.
Both teams played well on the defensive end and used size to disrupt the other, Duke with rebounding and the Heels with blocked shots. Carolina was able to shut down Nolan Smith enough to really curb Dukes scoring average and percentage. And Duke was able to get enough offensive rebounds and put backs to hold the lead on UNC. Both teams shot under 40 percent in this game, Duke was able to shoot a higher percentage from 3 with was also a difference maker in the game.
Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler seemed to be a steadying influence in this game. Jon kept Duke in this game with his 24 points, he also added 4 assists to only 1 turnover. Singler also helped with the scoring load, continually taking it to the interior of the Carolina defense in the second half.
It’s hard to say what this win means, hopefully it means a better result in road games for Duke, this was a big test, ranked or not, Carolina-Duke is a tough out. The only question mark is the status of Lance Thomas, apparently the injury is serious, but more will be known in the next 24 hours. Let’s hope he’s ok.
I’m tired…hopefully more on this game tomorrow.
