Va Tech Rises to the Occasion 64 – 60

Not only did Duke most likely play themselves out of a number 1 seed, not only did they put UNC in the drivers seat in the ACC, they also lost a game they should have won. Duke had every conceivable advantage on paper. Playing against an undermanned team, a team that couldn’t hit free throws, a team with less talent. What VA Tech did have was desire. Duke lacked that desire and Let VA tech back into a game that at the 5 minute mark looked like Dukes to win.

Shots didn’t fall for the Devils on the waning moments of this game, and time and time again, Duke forced the 3 point shot when they needed to pound this team in the lane. Decision making going forward is hopefully going to separate this team, there is not much room for error and when a team gives you a gift of 42% from the free throw line, you need to capitalize on that.

Duke got good effort from Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler on the offensive end. Nolan had 18 in the game and Singler 22. The offensive problem was that Duke only assisted on 6 baskets that is not going to get it done. To me it means you are not making this team work hard enough on the defensive end, swinging the ball and making the tech players react and respond would have been a great way to tire this team out. I think around the 9 minute mark when Duke got complacent with the lead of about 5-7 points is when the game began to change a bit. Desire is not something a team can turn on and off, and VA Tech kept it the whole game, while Duke did not in this game. Duke did not get much help from the other starters and the bench was held to 9 points. I think what this team needs to realize from watching past Duke teams is that when those long threes aren’t falling, look inside, manufacture points, utilize your big guys. Get more looks for Mason, Miles and Kelly (inside looks for Kelly).

All Va Tech was play their way off of the bubble, and all Duke did was make their own road a lot harder. And unless they win out, it’s most likely that UNC will win the ACC.