swamisez;994532 wrote:Figured the Devils would get beaten last night, tough road game against a top 3 team. Hoped it wouldn't be that bad, but it was probably worse.
1.34 points per possession was akin to what Arizona did last year to Duke. Better athletes all around driving past defenders, out jumping bigs at the rim, and coming off screens and hitting 18 foot jump shots. That looked like an NBA team against novice college players. In many ways that is probably what it will end up being. Duke has 1/2 NBA players on the roster, from what I can see OSU has 4/5.
Disappointing to see Ryan Kelly and Andre Dawkins taken away, but they were intimidated by players who were as big and were faster than they. When combined with the fact they wanted it more last night, the combination was lethal. Duke isn't a title contender, I think we all knew that going in, but what we didn't know is how good OSU can be and how bad Duke can be.
Scary to think but the best basketball may have already been seen by both teams. Duke against Kansas got great production from Dawkins, Kelly, Rivers, and even Thornton. This produced a quality win. Ohio State got great production from Sullinger, Buford, Craft, and Thomas. This produced a blowout victory.
Buckeyes need to match that intensity when they go on the road and have key home games, Duke needs to get the message across to their team that Austin Rivers will make the team better by getting to the rim, but only if other players are looking to score instead of watching him work.
Also, thought the officiating catered to what Ohio State wanted to do, eliminate three point opportunities for Duke. Good game plan by Matta, and when players are allowed to hold offensive players as they maneuver around screens and picks it is much easier to achieve. This reminded me of 2004 when LSU played Duke in the sweet sixteen. Lots of physicality 30 feet from the basket, denying the catch and shoot players a chance to set their feet. JJ Redick was a non-factor and Duke went down quickly. ACC officials don't let that kind of play go on around the three point line, so Duke has naturally taken advantage (as have other teams). Early on when Duke was given plenty of opportunities to drive the ball you could see OSU was allowing that penetration knowing Duke won't hurt them nearly as much off the dribble as much as in a catch and shoot scenario.
Great win for the Buckeyes, very talented team, focused and are capable of winning a national title.
Hope to say the same for Duke next year or in a couple seasons.
LOL...of course you do. Maybe you missed the 2nd half when Coach K was calling the fouls from the bench?!?