Trav's Thoughts

After barely surviving against Belmont on Thursday, I'm not confident today as my Blue Devils meet West Virginia in the second round of the tournament. They haven't played solid defense over the last couple of weeks and they haven't shot the ball well. And naturally in the opening minutes, they give up a lay up on defense and a turnover on their first offensive possession. I'd just like to see them play relaxed for a change.

But after that shaky start, they have turned it around. They have settled in defensively and are shooting the ball well. They have the intensity I'm used to seeing, so maybe things will be ok today after all.

We ran out and did our sundry shopping this morning before the games. I was craving a cold Diet Pepsi, but Target didn't have any in the register fridges! Dangit! We had to go across the way to Freddie's. They had Diet Pepsi in the cold fridges. Plus we got chocolate muffins!

They are almost as good as CAKE!

We really want the fresh air, and we're trying to leave the patio door open. But it's still a little too chilly.

West Virginia is starting to pick up the intensity now. They have gotten into a bit of foul trouble with their interior defenders, so this smaller line up has given them a bit more ball handling and some more quickness on the perimeter. Of course, they give up some size inside...but Duke isn't that big to begin with and I think this smaller line up is going to work well for the Mountaineers. I expect this to be a close game the whole way.

I couldn't have asked for a better response from Duke today. They are challenging every shot, getting into the passing lanes, and harrassing ball handlers to create turnovers. Offensively, they are getting to the free throw line which means they are not relying only on the perimeter shot. They are driving to the lane and getting lay ups or quick passes for open jump shots. They need to value the ball a little better, but I really can't complain too much right now.

Wow! It's noon already. What do you think...grilled cheese for lunch?



Yummy!

Duke has played well and has the lead at halftime. So I guess we'll grill us up some tasties and get ready for the second half.

Later babies!