For all of you that doubted Duke in the last article published, if today wasn’t enough of a showcase for your doubts to be answered, nothing will be. Going into today’s game Duke and Texas were each 8-0 and ranked 1 and 2 respectively from the preseason until now. Many College Basketball people claimed that Texas should be number one and it would only be a matter of time. With this much anticipated match-up Duke showed it had depth, and the player’s needed to step up in the clutch.
Many people criticized J.J Redick’s big game credentials citing his less than acceptable play in last year’s NCAA Tournament. Today J.J Redick scored 41 points against a good Texas defense. Redick shot 13-24 from the field, but most impressively 9-16 from beyond the arc. For all of those doubters that say Redick does not have what it takes to play at the next level his shooting performance today and throughout his career should prove himself worthy.
Duke proved how dominating they could be when Shelden Williams remains out of foul trouble as Williams scored 23 points and shot an impressive 9-10 from the free throw line. Williams committed just two fouls and therefore was able to play the majority of the game.
Besides having the two All-Americans in J.J Redick and Shelden Williams, Duke showed it’s depth off an inexperienced bench. Eight different members scored at least a point. Freshmen Josh McRoberts and Greg Paulus were very impressive in one of their first “big” tests. Paulus led all players with 6 assists, driving to the basket and creating opportunities for his teammates. McRoberts added 7 rebounds a team high, to go along with 6 points while playing impressive defense on and off the ball.
Texas was led by Sophomore sensation Lamarcus Aldrige who scored 21 points to go along with 9 rebounds. Four out of the starting 5 players on Texas scored in double figures, yet were just outplayed by a very talented Duke Team.
Duke’s transition game was a major factor in the Blue Devil’s early success. Duke than had a strong defensive second half holding the Longhorns to 33 points while scoring 52 points. For all of those who claimed Duke is not as dominant because they have not blown out their opponents this game should silence the critics as it was the top two teams in the nation squaring off and Duke winning by a convincing margin.