It’s March–Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Devils of Duke!
Now that we have that little business out of the way, on to the main event.
Longtime Fusioneers know I bleed Blue Devil Blue. Those who have been around a shorter time might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, you can get up to speed here.
For me, there is something lower brain and purely primeval about Duke v. UNC. Since the early 1970s, I’ve only missed a few of those titan tussles. This year’s regular season finale Saturday night promises another instant classic: ACC regular season title on the line, Senior Night at Cameron with DeMarcus Nelson playing his last home game, UNC ranked #1, Henderson and Psycho T Hansbrough eyeing each other warily during warm ups, the Cameron Crazies in a deep blue frenzy, Roy Williams and Coach K commanding their troops.
Speaking of which, Coach K and staff just landed one of the nation’s top 2009 prospects in Mason Plumlee who plays his high school hoops in, fittingly, Roy William’s hometown of Arden, NC. With all the overwrought hoopla over “injury-gate” finally behind us, that little coup may serve as a fresh affront, pricking dapper Roy’s thin skin and causing it to bleed just a little more.
Duke’s chances are about 50-50 in this game. From top to bottom, the Heels are a stronger team when they are firing on all cylinders. Ty Lawson’s return to point guard will provide them an extra spark (although Quentin Thomas surprised all with his fine play during Lawson’s injury), and with clumsy, perpetual project player Brian Zoubek as Duke’s only prominent presence in the paint, the Devils simply have no answer for Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough. But with a wave of Cameron Crazies at their back and the most balanced attack they’ve had in years, Duke could certainly pull it out again, completing a regular season sweep.
All eyes will be on Durham come Saturday night, and I’ll be ready. Ready to coach, cajole, scream, moan, and, if necessary, play. Eyegal will be ready too. She’s already making plans to move the furniture and any valuables to a safer place.
It’s March–Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Devils of Duke!
6 Comments
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That Girl
I just want you to know that I’m still here. There will be blue eyes crying Saturday night… I just don’t know which color blue.
Mike the Eyeguy
Indeed, TG. But really, only for a short time. Then there’s new life for both teams–The Dance.
greg
I don’t know what to think. I was glad to see them shoot the ball better from all over last night. Last night was what they needed going into Saturday. It’s going to be hard, but I always give them a chance at home. The idea of a sweep and the outright title for this season would’ve been beyond what I would’ve seriously considered 4 months ago. Now they actually have a shot at it.
Tennessee-Memphis had nothing on this one.
Yes, it’s finally March. GTHC!
Mike the Eyeguy
They did shoot better, except for Singler. But when he can have an “off” night (which he did) and still come away with 18 pts, it’s a good night.
Hopefully we can get 5 Devils in double figures–sharing the wealth seems to be the key this year. And maybe Hansbrough will get so psycho that he’ll be pick up some early fouls. Or even better, the flu.
It’ll be a tight one for sure. GTHC!
JRB
Is Duke in the ACC?
How ’bout my ‘Dores winning 19 in a row at home, beating MSU in overtime last night, with Foster hitting his last nine 3’s in a row for a career high of 42 in his last regular season home game?
How ’bout that sentence and my future as as sports writer?
Dynamite!
Mike the Eyeguy
Grantland Rice would be proud.
As for the ‘Dores, I must admit they’re hot and Foster in particular is a joy to watch. I would hate to have to face them in The Dance.