Trav's Thoughts

Terrific defense by Duke to start the second half! They forced a turnover and a shot clock violation. They haven't shot well though and it would be nice to be able to extend the lead. They are getting after it on the offensive glass, and just picked up the third foul on one of West Virginia's inside players.

The grilled cheese was most outstanding!

West Virginia has forced some turnovers, gotten to the free throw line, and made a three pointer at the shot clock buzzer to tie the game. They've got Duke back on their heels now and the Blue Devils need to settle down.

These kids are really getting after it now, on both sides. And key players from both teams have four fouls each - one for Duke and one for West Virginia. But the Mountaineers have stolen the momentum, extending the lead and getting the Blue Devils rattled.

This is what concerned me about Duke today. If things started to go against them, would they show the poise and maturity to hang in and play through it. So far, not so good.

Duke has been trying to hang in, but they just aren't shooting the ball well. And no matter how much desire and heart you have, at some point you have to be able to score and the Blue Devils just can't get a shot to go down. So now they will take an early tournament exit yet again.

I don't know why the pronouncers are suggesting that this is such a surprise. Certainly Duke has a tremendous tournament tradition, but this is not one of those great Duke teams of the past. They are good, but I thought a 2 seed was much too high for them. I am disappointed that they are going out today, but not surprised at all.

I'm glad that this group bounced back from last year's disaster of a season. It was fun to watch them enjoy playing together again. And it's a young team, with only one senior. So the future is bright.



Thank you DeMarcus Nelson. You battled injuries throughout your career to emerge with a strong senior season. You are the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a credit to yourself, your family, and the Duke program. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.