Covered the Duke-Florida State game with my good friend -- the Junior Jelly Roll, photographer Jason Jennings.
Duke is unbeaten in the ACC and still the odds-on favorite to win the league and go deep into the NCAA's. But this is no way a dominant Duke team.
Florida State was so much quicker. Coach K said it -- they couldn't stop Al Thornton. With 37 points and 15 rebounds, he scored almost at will, as did Jason Rich, who had 20 points. Quick athletic teams like FSU give Duke fits, and that's big red warning sign come March.
Coach K also said that Shelden Williams back must be hurting from carrying the team, and he was great down the stretch in a tough physical game, with 27 points and 11 rebounds. He got no help from Josh McRoberts, who had just one rebound. Not sure at all about all those stories that said he was the one high school player who could have gone to the NBA. He first needs to prove he can play at Duke. Today was not one of his good days.
J.J. Redick continued his scoring assault with 36 points -- including some clutch ones in overtime -- but he looks beat up and tired. He committed seven turnovers during the game. He has a back problem, plus had to take IV fluids after the game. Remember in the past, Redick has always seemed worn out in March.
A big positive for Duke was DeMarcus Nelson's play. The right foot still bothers him and his stamina isn't what it should be, but he scored 15 first-half points and had six rebounds for the game. It's essential that he stays healthy.
Duke got clobbered on the glass by 13. Somehow they need to find Williams some help.
Anyway, the game in Chapel Hill should be interesting. Carolina's playing better and will be fired up, but I expect so will Duke and somehow I don't think Duke will play tired against those guys.
Bottom line though -- Duke is a good team with two super seniors, but they're not dominant and can be had. In just the past two games, Boston College could have won, and Florida State should have.
Hey, I was impressed with Florida State -- those guys very athletic. It'll be fun to watch and see what they can do down the stretch. It's February, and the month can be brutal for basketball teams. Looking forward to it.
