Duke's Nolan Smith drives past N.C. State's Jordan Vandenberg (14) on his way to the basket. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
Check out uncut and edited photo galleries from the game.
RALEIGH — Kyle Singler said Duke demonstrated in its second ACC road game that it learned from its failure in its first ACC road game.
N.C. State, meanwhile, saw on Wednesday night that it still has a lot more to learn, particularly on defense.
No. 4-ranked Duke shot 50.7 percent from the field to post a 92-78 win at the RBC Center, recording its highest point total in an ACC game since a 101-91 defeat of Wake Forest on Feb. 22, 2009.
As usual, the senior duo of Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler led the Blue Devils (17-1, 4-1 ACC). Smith scored 22 points and handed out six assists, and Singler added 18 points and nine rebounds.
But the contributions of the other seven players who stepped on the court also were significant as Duke learned from its 66-61 loss a week earlier at Florida State. Singler and Smith accounted for all but 26 of Duke’s points in that game.
“We know that we’ve got to involve everyone,” Singler said. “That’s how we’re going to win big ballgames, especially on the road. It’s tough to come in and just rely on one or two players to get the win.”
All nine of Duke’s healthy scholarship players scored Wednesday, and post players Miles Plumlee, Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee made a huge impact. Miles Plumlee and Kelly, the Ravenscroft graduate playing in his hometown, each scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Mason Plumlee established himself as a defensive force in the middle, blocking six shots to go with his 10 rebounds.
“Those seven guys, outside of Nolan and Kyle, they just need experience,” said Duke coach Mike Krzyewski. “They need to do things like they did tonight, they need to do it a few more times.”
The Wolfpack (11-7, 1-3) wasn’t able to follow up on the 88-74 stunner it posted against eventual NCAA champion Duke last season. Coach Sidney Lowe had hoped the veterans who played in that game would be able to relate the experience to N.C. State’s younger players and give them confidence.
It didn’t happen that way. Freshmen C.J. Leslie, Ryan Harrow and Lorenzo Brown and Ryan Harrow combined to go 0-for-17 from the field in the first half as Duke built a 42-28 halftime lead.
N.C. State has lost three games in a row after starting ACC play with a win over Wake Forest.
“There’s still a lot of games left,” said N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe. “But we need a run. We need a nice run. It’s not a panic situation. But too many of those [losses], yeah, it will be.”
Lowe was proud of the effort the Wolfpack delivered in cutting a 16-point deficit to 54-49 after two Scott Wood 3-pointers in 1:53. Wood finished with 15 points, Harrow scored 13 of his points in the second half, and Tracy Smith led N.C. State with 19 points.
But Nolan Smith took over for Duke after the lead was trimmed to five. He made a pair of free throws and a fast-break layup, then drew the defense with a drive and passed to Kelly for a 3-pointer on the baseline. Singler added a layup, and suddenly Duke led 63-50.
With so many scoring options working for the Blue Devils, the Wolfpack didn’t have a chance to come back. And that’s exactly the way Duke wanted it.
“We came into this game knowing we all had to contribute to get a good victory,” Kelly said. “We couldn’t rely on just two guys.”
Comments
The picture is pretty funny,
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 16:54 — mad_maxThe picture is pretty funny, to be honest. Look at how out of position Vandenburg is. And his arm is extended as if he's anywhere close to disrupting Nolan Smith or his shot.
Seriously though, I'm pretty sure Duke scored like 10 points in the 2 minutes that Vandy was in the game. Why was he in instead of Painter?
Answer
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 13:35 — SurferHe's taller and he has become an expert at deciphering Sid's whistling code?
that wasn't sid
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 16:46 — JPDOhioThat was the opening of the Steve Miller Band's classic Jungle Love.
Thanks
Sat, 01/22/2011 - 10:47 — SurferNow that makes perfect sense, "It's making [them] crazy".
That's great !
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 22:01 — gvillegatrI immediately could hear the start of the song when I read your post ! Classic !!
good question
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 17:25 — JPDOhioGood question.
Surprising
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 15:11 — SurferI am surprised that Howell does not play more, that C.J. thinks that one on three is a good idea, that Wood didn't get more looks, that the super frosh did not score in the first half?, that Sid whistles so much when the Pack is on defense (unless it is morse code for which defense, etc..otherwise I think that it would be very distracting) and finally, with the choice of Sid's tie, all he needed was a big red round nose and big rubber shoes and the outfit would be complete.
Still lots of games left, anything can happen. Does Sid take phone calls?
Pass
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 13:44 — YAR8packI'll pass on any judgement of the Wolfpack from this game. Every game against the ACC teams ranked below 3rd in the conference standings should be the games the Wolfpack is judged upon. And certainly that is just damn pathetic.
don't blame you
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 14:25 — JPDOhioWe need to see how this season plays out. If it turns out to be a mirror image of the last four, then, well, we all know what's coming.
diddy
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 17:18 — bluecat69bluecat69yes, we do,"SKID HAS TO GO"go duke champs!!!!!!!!!!!!
another game, another loss
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 01:01 — JPDOhioActually, this one was easier to take, because the odds of an upset were infinitesmal. The Pack got some good looks in the first half, but couldn't buy a bucket and didn't get a call. Duke did what good teams do. When State made a run, they answered. The Plumlees and Kelly came to play, and Nolan Smith made plays when he had to, over and over again.
On the plus side for the Pack:
Regarding Leslie, I am still skeptical. He is gifted athletically, as we are reminded ad nauseum by every announcer of every game. Fair enough. But I just feel he hurts the team as much as helps. What good is an offensive rebound if you miss the putback and it is rebounded by the other team? What good is going hard to the basket if you get fouled and miss the free throws? And forget about defense other than blocking shots. Richard Howell can do everything CJ Leslie does, just closer to the ground. Plus he can make a pass and get an assist, something that is not part of CJ's arsenal, unless you count long passes downcourt that end with a breakaway bucket.
I am not saying Leslie shouldn't play, but he should not start and Richard Howell should get the minutes CJ is getting now. I would also like to see some of those minutes go to Painter, who has been lost in the shuffle here for some reason.
That's enough for now. Need to wind down with an episode of Human Target before hitting the sack. Good night all. Go Pack!
I have to say that Leslie
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 22:22 — unc098I have to say that Leslie and newbie company are probably playing about as well as they can. I would say the same for Harrison Barnes. The problem really lies with the coaches and how they integrate these new, high falutin', freshmen. It really is a conundrum when the media anoints them as the chosen to turn around a program. The fans buy into this hype and you have situations that are not in the interest of team building. Its a form of gambling really. Sid is losing the hand and I would say that Roy is not far behind. The difference between the two is that Roy had no choice but to integrate the freshmen right away in order to avoid a second disaster ( juries out on that one ) whereas Sid had a solid team in the works that should have been developed further before forsaking them for the 'anointed ones'.
freshmen
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 16:42 — JPDOhioI know I have been pretty negative on Leslie, but that's mainly because he was the most hyped of the three, has been essentially handed a starting position and has been inconsistent in living up to the hype. There are times when he does something spectacular, which invariably elicits a reaction from the commentators that sounds like it belongs in a KY commercial. But there are other times when he looks lost and indecisive, especially when it concerns getting another teammate involved in the play.
That said, all three freshmen have a good chance to be all-ACC players before they leave NC State. Harrow and Brown are 4 year players. I don't know about Leslie, but it would be a mistake if he didn't stay at least one more year. He needs to round out his game so that he not only improves his own skills, but develops his ability to work effectively with others in whatever system his team operates in. At this moment, for all his ability and skills, State is a better team without him on the floor than with him. If Sid wants to salvage the season, he has to recognize this and adjust everyone's minutes accordingly.
Uchebo
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 12:22 — Shoreman67Hi unc098;
I was wondering if you had seen Joseph Uchebo in action? I'm sure you have not seen Tyler Harris; any insight on either of these two?
heels20
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 16:25 — JPDOhioIf you have a take on those two, I would be interested in hearing it as well. You seem to be in tune with the recruiting scene down there.
Beaten again by Darth
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 08:41 — Shoreman67Beaten again by Darth Vader and the Evil Empire........
In your assessment of Leslie's performances, you stated exactly what I have been thinking all along. If Leslie makes a few of those shots and scores from the foul line we are right in that game last night---and I am not saying he was solely responsible for us losing the game. He really hit the boards and did score. I, too, like Ryan Harrow on the court; he scores, handles the ball well and can shoot fouls shots.
Not going to win many games giving up 92 pts., however we did score 78 against a really good team and if some of those early first half shots drop we might have scored 90 as well. Lowe has just gotta' get'em playing better team defense.
i see
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 14:54 — gvillegatrState fans, led by Joe Ovies, can mock and ridicule ESPN for putting up the stat: What if Harrison Barnes made one more bucket a game ...
But you can talk about "what ifs" when it suits your taste (mind) ?
I'm not mad at you or trying to ridicule you. Just merely pointing out. Good luck the rest of the year.
Geez!
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 20:56 — Shoreman67Geez! What'd I do to piss you off gvillegatr? And infering that I am mindless is not ridicule? I don't even know who Joe Ovies is; don't live in the Raleigh area; don't know anything about comments he has made. Humor me; let me enjoy my "What ifs"...........
Take care.
The last paragraph ?
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 21:57 — gvillegatrDid anyone get that far ? I've never put that kind of disclaimer in a post so it ought to mean something !!
There's a reason
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 00:50 — JPDOhioAfter three straight losses, Cow College fans are suffering from Roy Williams fever. We lash out at even the slightest bit of criticism.
And you know there is only one antidote for Roy Williams fever. MORE COWBELL. Apology accepted!
Follow up point
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 17:40 — JPDOhioShoreman has only commented on NC State as far as I remember and has never engaged in the mocking of UNC that happens so often here. Just saying he is the wrong guy to point to in that regard.
Plus, he is one of the few sane Wolfpack posters left on this site, so I am motivated to come to his defense. And we can definitely use all the luck we can get.
yes
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 13:31 — Surferand some defense too.
Face it buddy
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 11:18 — melvinfurdState has a lousy team and a lousy coach. "Ifs" and "buts" aren't worth the paper they're written on.
your right.
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 11:57 — JPDOhioI am sure that your Tar Heels will bring that attitude to their next game with the Pack and win by 20 without breaking a sweat.
Sid If you had played with
Wed, 01/19/2011 - 22:34 — unc098Sid
If you had played with last years team you may have had a chance. 0-17 from the newbies in the first half? They should have come off the bench at best and let the originals show them the way. Nuff said....I won't have to make similar statements, fortunately, about the Heels because if only the originals play they could lose by 60 points. So goes the wacky way of ACC basketball this year. Should be a cake walk for the Devils this season in the ACC.
thank you 098
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 00:38 — JPDOhioI've said that several times and still believe it. It may not have made a difference tonight, but the Pack may have pulled off a couple more wins if Sid wasn't so enamored with his frosh.