Yeah I know, it’s been all of 12 hours before the post. Thats what happens when you have a 20 month old. On to the goods! Duke came back from a half time deficit that had me worried. Maryland played a solid game but Duke simply turned it up a notch in the second half. Riding the back of Nelson, the Devils turned what looked to be a “down to the wire” game into 9 point win. Marylands free throws really sucked downed the stretch. Again, an ACC team has a chance to topple a top ranked opponent only to let a simple free throw or two make the decision. Thats the difference between a “top ranked” team and one that wants to be one.
The fans were packed and making plenty of noise the first half and Duke really quited them down in the 2nd half. Maryland hit a few big threes near the end but wasn’t enough to make them compete.
Henderson from Duke had another fine again, but the show of the night belonged to Demarcus Nelson again. He is THE leader of the Devils this year and he shows it. Noone can guard him and if they do Nelson’s upper body is just too big and broad to make them a factor. He’ll simply muscle his way to the hoop, make the shot and draw the foul.
Nelson finished with a career high 27 points with a crucial bucket with 61 seconds to play that sealed the deal.