DURHAM -- With the lead at a whopping 32 points in the ninth minute of the second half, the Duke’s students were begging for more.
“We want 40,” they chanted during a timeout. “We want 40.”
They wanted to humiliate rival North Carolina as thoroughly as possible. And though the margin never reached 40 points, they got what they wanted.
Fourth-ranked Duke celebrated the senior night of Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek with a 82-50 stomping of the Tar Heels on Saturday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The 32-point margin marked North Carolina’s largest in a loss at Duke and was just three points short of the most lopsided defeat for the Tar Heels in the series. Led by Kyle Singler’s 25 points, Duke dominated virtually every phase of the game for a win that had significance for coach Mike Krzyzewski’s program in several ways.
Duke (26-5, 13-3 ACC) completed its first season sweep of the series since 2004, which was coach Roy Williams’ first season at North Carolina. The Blue Devils also tied Maryland (22-7, 13-3) for the ACC regular-season title and clinched the No. 1 seed for the ACC Tournament, which starts Thursday in Greensboro.
Duke will play the Boston College-Virginia winner at noon in Friday’s quarterfinals. North Carolina (16-15, 5-11) will be the No. 10 seed and will meet seventh-seeded Georgia Tech at 7 p.m. Thursday in a first-round game.
For four seasons, Duke’s seniors have been trying to build toward this moment. They talked all season about wanting to finish first in the ACC for the first time in their time at the school.
The Blue Devils finished a disappointing 8-8 in the ACC when they were freshmen in 2007 on a team that didn’t have a senior scholarship player and didn’t survive a first-round NCAA Tournament game against Virginia Commonwealth.
They watched as North Carolina took control of the rivalry with five wins in their first six games, which included a four-game Tar Heel winning streak on Duke’s home floor. That ended Saturday night as the Blue Devils ran out to an early lead and kept extending it.
With Duke pressuring relentlessly on defense, the Tar Heels scored just 11 points in the first 12 minutes and found themselves trailing by 20. The Blue Devils made their first three 3-point attempts – and seven overall in the first half – and hammered North Carolina on the boards in a meeting of the ACC’s top two teams in terms of rebound margin.
Zoubek grabbed 13 rebounds as Duke claimed a 37-28 advantage on the boards. North Carolina tried to rush the ball up the floor against a Blue Devil team that has at times been hurt by fast-breaking opponents.
But the Tar Heels, who’d won two games in a row, simply were no match for a more experienced, talented Duke team on an emotional night. Scheyer and Nolan Smith each scored 20 to complement Singler as the Blue Devils’ top three scorers had their typical big night with 65 points.
And even the shots that didn’t usually fall for Duke this season seemed to find their way into the basket. Zoubek swished a sweeping hook shot from the block. Freshman Andre Dawkins, known primarily for his 3-point shot, banked home a driving layup.
John Henson led North Carolina with 14 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough.
With 2:36 remaining, Krzyzewski took Scheyer out of the game and stood smiling, hands on hips, as his point guard game to the bench. Scheyer hugged Krzyzewski with a 17-0 home season record in the bag.
“Thank you, seniors,” the fans chanted in the closing seconds of a game they’ll remember for a long time at Duke and will want to forget in Chapel Hill.
Comments
Great win Blue Devils! Looks
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 20:19 — duke_blueGreat win Blue Devils! Looks like you got a little payback for the past few years. Good to see Zoubek maintain his defensive pressure and rebounding. Hope you guys carry that intensity and passion to win all the way thru the ACC and NCAA tourneys!!
mamby!!!!
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 19:00 — bluecat69bluecat69i think unc-98 called u a dumb-a-s, momma is going to really be pi-ss-ed at him, i guess that duke game really got to him, i think his bluedevil tights may-be too tight, cutting off his 02, ok, go duke!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 16:23 — SurferCongrats to dook for a great game in all aspects. Although you might want to anticipate a little more defensive effort in the NCAA tourney.
What a beautiful day
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:29 — unc098Nobody should be posting now..Lets go play golf !!!!!
Playing Tomorrow
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 13:43 — mad_maxIt's cheaper during the week!
golf
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 16:11 — gvillegatrwhere do u play max?
Anywhere around the
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 16:43 — mad_maxAnywhere around the triangle. Just the regular old public courses. The ones I have played the most would probably be Reedy Creek, RGA, Heddingham, Wilmar, and The Neuse. You play much Gatr?
So
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 22:28 — unc098did you hit the links today??? How was it???
It was an absolutely
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 23:29 — mad_maxIt was an absolutely beautiful day. My game was off a little bit because I hadn't hit a ball in about 4 months, but any day on the course beats the heck out of work. I usually shoot in the low to mid 90s when I'm in the groove, but I ended up with a 99 today.
I would take that any day
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 14:32 — unc098I would take that any day after a 4 month hiatus.
What a day!!
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 22:36 — UNC1998I'm not a big golfer, but if I didn't have to go into work....I may just've had to dust off the clubs, and give it a try. Anyone who doesn't mind an awful novice....I'm your guy.
unfortunately
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:32 — JPDOhioNot an option for me. Still got way too much snow laying around.
Off to see the wizard.
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:28 — JPDOhioI've been somewhat reluctant to weigh in on UNC's troubles this year, because, let's face it, I am a Pack fan and State hasn't exactly been devoid of its own problems. But I gotta say, if I were a Tar Heel fan, I would be disgusted with this team and concerned about its future.
We all know that there are way more important things in life than college basketball. But the fact remains, if you commit to doing something, you should give it all you got. This current group of Tar Heels fails miserably in that respect.
When you accept a scholarship, it is a privilege that requires only one thing- best effort. In class, in the community and on the court. These guys act like all they have to do is show up wearing the jersey with "North Carolina" on the front and eveything will fall into place. Well, it doesn't work that way.
Sad thing is that they still don't get it. For example:
Drew II: "I was shocked from the get-go". Really? On senior day for a team that has been getting smoked by your predecessors for the last few years? Frankly, when I got home and saw the halftime score, I was surprised, but not shocked.
Graves: "All year, it's been something new in the learning process, and we've just got to keep learning." Here's your first lesson, Wil. Championships aren't handed to you, regardless of the legacy your school has built. And talent isn't enough. You have to show up every day, work hard and earn your place in history.
Here is the most relevant quote, from Roy Williams, "If we can learn something from this and change our ways, we can take something from it. But you have to change your behavior. You have to make those changes." Based on what we've seen all year with these guys, I'd say that is one huge "IF".
UNC's only hope is that these guys follow the yellow brick road to see the Wizard, in hopes of finding some brains, heart and courage. They actually don't have to go very far, because the Wizard is in their midst. But, just like in the Land of Oz, these are things that you can't get from someone else. You have to find them in yourself.
DITTY!!
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 15:56 — bluecat69bluecat69YOUR OZ POST BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES, GO DUKE!!!!
Well put JPD
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:33 — unc098Now Im going to follow the yellow brick road to my nearest driving range to shake out the cobwebs...
what a beating
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 10:39 — gvillegatrtruly embarrassing.
I recall the perfect game UNC played in the championship of the ACC tourney back in '91 where UNC whopped DUIke 96-74. The Heels could do no wrong in that game and it was a laugher. Fox was the man.
I was so happy that day b/c these were two pretty equal teams with DUIke having a decent edge. That's about as happy as I have ever been after a UNC/DUIke game.
And last night, well, is the worse I have ever felt after a UNC/DUIke game.
Most of the guys in Carolina uniforms DO NOT belong in those jerseys. It will not surprise me at all if the Wear brothers cut bait and transfer. If not them, maybe another player?
Congratulations..
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 08:01 — UNC1998to Duke's coaches, players and fan(s) (well, most of them anyway). They'ven enjoyed a nice season, and being regular season Co Champions with Maryland is quite a feat.
As for UNC, everything that needed to work for the game to even be close didn't happen. It's been a long, disappointing season. I can't say I'm too surprised, though. I just can't believe a team can keep winning National Championships, and keep having 4 of 5 starters leave immediately to go to the NBA without catching up to you eventually. I have total belief in the fact that Williams and his staff will correct the roster deficiencies quickly. They will return the program to it's elite status pretty quickly. History (and it's a long one) tells us that.
Growing pains
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:32 — Heels20Can't avoid them. Sometimes they're more severe than others, and they were about as bad as could be this season.
Henson has shown tremendous improvement and I think his probable return is the best thing to look forward to as far as this current roster goes. Speculation indicates that Ed is long gone, but I guess anything can happen until he signs an agent.
No matter what happens, I think that Roy has probably worked harder this season than any other. He's aged about 10 years in 11 months. The only given going into next season is that Roy ain't letting up and he ain't giving up. This will hopefully be reflected in next year's squad.
I think
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:35 — unc098Davis would be foolish to leave now. He needs to bulk up some before hitting the NBA trail, but we will see.
Ed Davis
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:49 — Heels20So many reasons why he shouldn't leave. As you said, one of them is that he needs to bulk up. He also has no right hand, struggles playing defense before the ball gets there, lacks a mid-range jumper and has not demonstrated the ability to truly compete with elite big men.
Unfortunately, he's got a lot of the wrong people talking to him. He's projected an early lottery pick despite all these flaws. Based off his twitter account (which I've only heard about), he thinks he's getting PT on the next level. I don't know about everyone else, but I find it impossible to envision Ed surviving against the likes of Dwight Howard, Shaq, Pau Gasol and company if he can't even come close to stopping Demarcus Cousins or Dexter Pittman.
No matter what happens, I wish him the best. But with the way this season has gone, if all he can think about is the NBA, then I wish him happy trails.
Marvin Williams
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 14:25 — gvillegatrwas better than Ed Davis and Marvin is not exactly tearing it up in the nba.
I find it hard to hear Ed Davis is getting a lot of bad advice considering his parents work for a school system in VA.
The guy is soft and plays soft. There may be a spot for him in the nba afterall.
Good comments 1998
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:26 — unc098though its hard to congratulate the Devils they deserve it. Thanks for leading the UNC contingent in graciousness. They have a great backcourt and if they can stay focused should do well in the NCAA. I still think they are suspect under the basket but their execution is excellent.
If anything this season will fire up Williams to make the corrections needed. He is a pretty competitive guy and will not stand around waiting for things to unfold or get better with the present group. We have good personnel coming in and if we stay healthy enough should really improve next year.
The lowest of lows
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 00:42 — Heels20I have never been as disappointed of a Carolina basketball performance as I am tonight. At this point, all Carolina fans have learned to accept that this just isn't a great basketball team. What I cannot accept, however, is losing a game, the biggest rivalry in all of college sports, by 32 points because of lack of heart, effort, intensity and anger.
You've got to give all the credit in the world to the way Scheyer, Smith and Singler came out absolutely on fire. They couldn't have missed a shot if they tried. What actually bothered me about it was that they were hitting these shots without a hand in their face. By the time the second half came around, they had the same wide open shots, and would have won the game by 60 if they stayed hot. We were not hustling and failed to demonstrate any sense of urgency. If a Duke player was driving to the basket, he would get there...and without a hard foul. After seeing this performance, I can honestly say that I believe I could have contributed more to this game than some of our players. I may not have been able to hit a shot to save my life, but if my guy had me beat and was going up to the basket, you better believe I'm about to foul the mess out of him. There was nothing there on our part other than pure emptiness.
So how do we recover from this? At some point our guys are going to have to realize that while Harrison Barnes and Reggie Bullock are exceptional basketball players, they aren't going to be able to reverse this regression overnight by themselves. Someone has to step up as a leader, and EVERYONE has to improve. There isn't a soul on this team who has suffered through on-court adversity before this year, and it is definitely showing. Will there be a David Noel in next year's group? Will we have someone who is as driven as Tyler Hansbrough to destroy all the doubts? Will we have a Sean May who will go from inconsistent disappointment to unstoppable force over the course of one year? I hope so, because there won't be a Ty Lawson or a Raymond Felton on next year's squad. Only time will tell, but if tonight was any indication, the future won't be bright with this kind of effort.
HOLES-20
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 16:11 — bluecat69bluecat69MY ADVISE TO U IS TO BECOME A DUKE FAN, LIKE UNC-98, MAYBE HE WILL LET U WEAR HIS BIG BLUE DEVIL TIGHTS SOMETIME, I WILL CALL COACH K AND SEE IF HE WILL ACCEPT U, SINCE U ARE A FAN OF A LOSING TEAM NOW, HE MAY VIEW U AS A LOSING VIRUS, OK GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you H20
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:17 — unc098for you heartfelt comment. I thought it might be interesting to watch Roy develop a young team and bring them along this year. I thought that there would be growing pains but at least a progression towards improvement as the season went forward. Injuries aside ( and they are important ) this team has only shown some signs of improvement. I actually saw two excellent fast breaks in the Duke game that gave me hope that they had at least learned how to do that during the season. I truly believe that Drew 2 hasn't learned anything and I'm not sure why. Last year he showed signs of being a pretty good point guard. This year he has been about as bad as Q at his worst. That being said Q did get it together eventually but never as a true starter. Its obvious that a "chemical" change is necessary and hopefully that will happen with the injection of the newbies next year. That coupled with the hangover of bad seniors this year exiting should change the chemistry for the better. I believe Henson and Davis could be one mean frontcourt. I know that Zeller will get better and hopefully stay healthy and the Wears will also improve. Should be interesting to see if anyone leaves. On to baseball, football, and we should get behind those Lady Tarheels who are having a pretty good season.
That pretty much sums it up
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:42 — Heels20We have got to make the roster changes necessary to take all of those flashes of brilliance and all that potential and transform it into consistent on-court production. I'm not sure if Drew II is as big of a problem as some think because we all know that he's a pass-first point guard surrounded by role players (none of which is a go-to scorer). As far as the rest of the guys go, the best thing we can say is that they at least have a lot of things that they can improve. New players are coming in and will hopefully motivate and/or rule out the guys who don't give a (enter expletive) right now.
I was mis-guided by a fall sense of hope yesterday and will most likely be in the same position again on Thursday. But rationally speaking, this season is as good as over.
what a disgrace--- g alligator!!
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 10:30 — bluecat69bluecat69how did u like your good ol a-s whippin? now bring up the 37 pts. snd sociology degrees, which shows u are pathetic, and have no class at all, even holes- 20 and unc-98 showed some class-- even thou he wears bluedevil tights, grow up and quit living in the past.but to show u what a class guy i am , i will except your apology and congradulations, ok, go duke!!!!
Ya Know...
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 13:41 — mad_maxBluecat actually has a good point. Gatr is the biggest sore loser on this blog. When everyone else can take a loss like a man and move on, Gatr has to post petty, irrelevant, hypocritical comments. The only thing more disappointing than UNC's game this weekend, are Gatr's comments.
MAD-SAX!!!
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 16:04 — bluecat69bluecat69THANK U, PEOPLE ARE CATCHING ON TO G-GATOR, HE CANT TAKE IT LIKE A MAN WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE HE IS IN FACT A GIRL--AKA-REDPUSSY-CAT, THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN A TARHOLE FAN IS A HYPROCRIT, WHAT A SLAUGHTER, GO DUKE!!!
aren't you looking like a
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 14:20 — gvillegatrjackass!
Hey, I gotta get 'em in when
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 14:28 — mad_maxHey, I gotta get 'em in when I can!
yup
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 22:47 — gvillegatrVitale, you are right. Lance Thomas is getting one of the finest sociolgy degrees in America from DUIke! congrats, Thomas!
Haha
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 23:29 — mad_maxI'm sure all of Carolina's boys are getting degrees in chemical engineering and mathematics!
And
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 12:03 — unc098how many State players are getting degrees in chemical engineering and mathematics??? That would be interesting to know! I think the athletic academic records of both schools speak for themselves over the years. You may not want to defend this turf.
Really?!? You're going to
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 13:47 — mad_maxReally?!? You're going to attack State players now?!? You're missing the point completely dude! Nobody ever acted like State players had difficult majors. Gvillgatr is the one who started this discussion, but you won't say anything to him since he's one of yours. Truly pathetic...this is what you guys choose to post comments about.
again
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 14:18 — gvillegatrI realize there was no post from me since you're last two post concerning my comments, but I was poking fun of DOOK Vitale. Lance Thomas just so happened to be in the way.
Troll all you want...
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 00:25 — Heels20...but what has been our second worst season in 40 years is still better than more of the same for the Pack. I don't care if you're blindly calling out our athletes on academics, or trying to trash talk our team, it's just comical that State athletics have slipped to such a low that your only happiness can come from the lack of success of a program where the majority of people don't even acknowledge you as a rival.
Sour grapes
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 13:38 — mad_maxYou guys are so bitter that you fail to acknowledge the context of my comment. Gatr had nothing better to say other than to trash-talk Lance Thomas' major, as if his team is filled with academic all-stars! Get over yourselves Heels! I like how I make one comment on a Duke/UNC thread and I'm "trolling", yet you guys consistently post comments on your non-rival NC State threads and think nothing of it! Carolina fans...a savage hypocrisy.
The difference?
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 13:49 — Heels20You never have input of any value. If you're offering insight on the game, like JPD, then that is not trolling. If you get on here to throw a weak punch at a team that's dominated you for nearly 40 years, then you're flirting with bluecat level.
Of course, I can't expect knowledgable insight from someone who is so depressed over the all-around downfall of his own school's athletics that he can only find pleasure in the misfortune of the school he wishes was his counterpart. Hope you enjoy watching your Cardiac Pack DVD today!
Heh, coming from a fan that
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 13:57 — mad_maxHeh, coming from a fan that takes a cheap shot at Anthony Hill in a completely unrelated thread? You sir, are a moron. Get off your high horse and realize that just because you root for UNC, you do not come from a better breed. If that comment makes me a troll, then you and your brethren have been trolls for a long, long time.
You want my input? Ok. UNC is terrible this year. They never deserved to be in the top 10. You guys have nothing without Lawson. Last night, Duke was the better, smarter, hungrier team. Is there hope for the future? Of course, there always is. Henson will be good, and you will always have more 5-stars coming in. What's so sad is that many of you can't handle losing. You come on here and post petty comments and act like sore losers, pretending that Carolina fan can do and say no wrong! Even your last comment is irrelevant and troll-like, but you will never admit to that...you're a Carolina fan. Good thing the season is all but over. You always have football season to look forward to.
Oh Maxy Max
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 15:01 — Heels20The Anthony Hill comment was a shot at Deon Thompson on a Carolina blog. I don't think any one on here but you considers that trolling.
"You come on here and post petty comments and act like sore losers"
How the hell do you expect us to react? You want me to be a State fan and talk relentless trash when my team sucks? Our team just lost by 32 points for lack of effort.
But I guess of any one on here, you would be the one most used to losing. As I said before, your basketball team hasn't won an ACC title since Michael Jackson was black (Oh no! A shot at Michael Jackson! I'm such a troll!). Now go play a happy song on your French horn and hope that one of your big 3 teams can make the post-season.
WE (as fans)
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 14:13 — gvillegatrdo have football to look forward to. UNC athletics always has something to look forward.
Sure, I took a cheap shot, but it was in good nature as I thought I may get a laugh or two. My context was there as well. I was making fun of Dick Vitale. Lance just happened to foul out and Vitale chimed in with his stupid mouth. Lance Thomas could care less what I think about his edumacation.
Your assessment of UNC baskets this year is pretty much spot on.
But you can't expect to come into a UNC/DOOK thread and make a wise crack about something besides the game and think the losing teams fan(s) won't say something ugly back to you. That would happen anywhere including in one of the ncsu baskets blogs.
"But you can't expect to
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 14:16 — mad_max"But you can't expect to come into a UNC/DOOK thread and make a wise crack about something besides the game and think the losing teams fan(s) won't say something ugly back to you. That would happen anywhere including in one of the ncsu baskets blogs."
Touche'. I can't argue with that. Good luck next year guys.
It's the worse case scenario
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 22:29 — jeromfitzafter losing a top suppose to be seniors to the NBA Bench Role playing systems. I know it's hard to get draft in two round system by the NBA. What is this year's UNC team attempting to accomplish from this point on? I don't know! I would just pack my bags and go on down the road some where else. Try to hide under a rock or something just to keep from give up on the game. It just don't make any sense at all to me either. Why are some of these seniors and juniors in a jersey after their first couple of years? They don't represent experience and ready for the next level player capabilities! I need a "hot boy" and scorer in my line up every year not some I must go to UNC recruit to live a dream.
It's the worse case scenario
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 22:28 — jeromfitzafter losing a top suppose to be seniors to the NBA Bench Role playing systems. I know it's hard to get draft in two round system by the NBA. What is this year's UNC team attempting to accomplish from this point on? I don't know! I would just pack my bags and go on down the round some where else. Try to hide under a rock or something. It just don't make any sense at all to me either. Why are some of these seniors and juniors in a jersey after their first couple of years? They don't represent experience and ready for the next level player capabilities! I need a "hot boy" and scorer in my line up every year not some I must go to UNC recruit to live a dream.
It's the worse case scenario
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 22:27 — jeromfitzafter losing a top suppose to be seniors to the NBA Bench Role playing systems. I know it's hard to get draft in two round system by the NBA. What is this year's UNC team attempting to accomplish from this point on? I don't know! I would just pack my bags and go on down the round some where else. Try to hide under a rock or something. It just don't make any sense at all to me either. Why are some of these seniors and juniors in a jersey after their first couple of years? They don't represent experience and ready for the next level player capabilities! I need a "hot boy" and scorer in my line up every year not some I must go to UNC recruit to live a dream.
What goes around comes
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 22:25 — jdmooreWhat goes around comes around or something like it.
and UNC's largest margain of victory
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 22:18 — gvillegatragainst DUIke is 37 pts!
NEVER in DOUBT
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 22:16 — TheMambaSTRIKESThe dysfunctionals will finish 5-11 for the ACC season
-NO back court
-NO Shooters
-NO Thugs
-NO defense
-NO coach
Dude!! take a creative
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 17:08 — unc098Dude!! take a creative writing class or something.....We kNOw your points. NObody will take you seriously with this drivel. You may have NOticed this already.