Your “Big Monday” Duke Open Thread

Yep, Big MondayESPN says so.  Anyone else think there’s a chance ESPN was expecting two teams with a little more lustre by the time this one rolled around?

Last time out, the Pack (13-7, 2-5 ACC)  fell at home to Wake, completing a 1 for 3 homestand against 3 of the weaker teams in the league to drop to 2-5 in league play…just before hitting the road to Duke and Louisville.

That’s not so good.  But giving up 93 to Wake……at home?

Yeah, insult to injury territory on that one.

Two listing ships passed in the afternoon on Saturday, each desperately seeking a safe harbor. Wake Forest finally has an ACC road win to its credit – its first under Manning in 21 tries, its first since 2014, its second in 44 games. The Deacons are 3-4 in the ACC, done with North Carolina and Virginia and have a decent shot at 9-9, especially if they can double or even triple their road win total at Syracuse and Boston College in the next 10 days.

But N.C. State, its season hanging in the balance even before this loss, now faces what is likely to be an impassible road to the NCAA tournament at 2-5 in the ACC, lacking the nonconference wins to bolster its at-large position while requiring an unlikely five wins in Brooklyn. State being State, a home loss to Wake Forest for the first time in 12 years will surely be followed by the Wolfpack’s first win at Duke in 22 years on Monday, according to the Law of the Wolfpack or N.C. State, uh, Scatology or whatever.

Believers in the latter will with some justification point to a spate of questionable calls that went against N.C. State in the late going, culminating in Terry Henderson being called out of bounds after stealing Wake Forest’s inbounds pass with 9.1 seconds to go. Replays appeared to show Henderson avoiding the end line; while the ACC later said the play was not reviewable, N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried said official Jamie Luckie told him “he didn’t need to review it. He had it for sure.”

We no can haz  d-fence-defense-sign??????

BagOnHeadSports

Duke (15-4, 3-3 ACC) on the other hand, seems to have possibly suddenly clicked.  Of course they did.  We always seem to have the best timing of when to travel to Durham.

Anywhoo……after falling behind Miami by as many as 11, and looking really bad doing it, the 2nd half was all Blue Devils and in rather impressive fashion.

Next Up – NC State (DukeBasketballReport.com)

Whatever issues the Pack has, offense isn’t one of them.

Smith has been sensational. His biggest problem is that he at times doesn’t involve his teammates sufficiently, but with talent that extravagant, it’s understandable. And there is no doubt about his talent. When you look down the history of the ACC some guards jump to mind ahead of the rest: Phil Ford. John Lucas. Juan Dixon. Jason Williams. Steve Blake. Mark Price. Bobby Hurley.

He’s not as polished as any of those guys, all of whom stayed until at least their junior years, but he’s as talented as any of his predecessors.

Yertseven has struggled to adapt to U.S. style of basketball, but he can shoot, run dribble – he’s a real basketball player. He’ll be a major pain in the ass with a couple of years of weight lifting.

And as we said, the other guys can all score. Since Mark Gottfried came to Raleigh with his UCLA offense, State has not struggled with offense.

They have struggled with defense though and never more so than this year, something Gottfried has consistently lamented, at one point more or less throwing up his hands and saying they’d have to decide if they were serious about the season or not. And he has a point.

In conference play, here’s what State has given up to other teams:

  • Miami – 81 (L)
  • Virginia Tech – 78 (W)
  • UNC – 107 (L)
  • BC – 74 (L)
  • Georgia Tech – 86 (L)
  • Pitt – 74 (W)
  • Wake Forest – 93 (L)

State is giving up 84 ppg in ACC play. As Gottfried rightly noted, his team is capable of outscoring other teams, but when you get to a certain point, you’re really in a crapshoot. Life is just easier when you get some stops.

 

Pack Faces Quick Turnaround with Trip to Duke on Monday (GoPack.com)

Pack Tracks
– NC State fell to Wake Forest, 93-88, Saturday afternoon to drop its third contest in four games.
– The Pack placed five players in double figures, led by Abdul-Malik Abu with 20 points. Abu scored 17 of his 20 points in the first half. Also reaching double figures for the Pack was Dennis Smith, Jr. (15), Torin Dorn (13), Maverick Rowan (13) and Terry Henderson (11). Smith added a game-high 13 assists to record his third double-double of the season. It was the sixth time this season the Pack had at least five players reach double figures. NC State is now 5-1 in those games.
– Saturday marked a statistical oddity as the Pack won numerous statistical categories. NC State shot 51.6% from the field compared to 42.6% for the Demon Deacons. NC State also out-rebounded Wake Forest. Coming into Saturday’s game, NC State was 9-1 on the season when it out-rebounded its opponent and was 10-0 when it held its opponent to less than 45% shooting from the field. Wake Forest made up the field goal percentage deficit by hitting 29-of-33 (87.9%) free throw attempts.
– In NC State’s last three ACC losses (Boston College, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest) the opponents have combined to hit 61-of-69 (88.4%) free throw attempts, while NC State has made 39-of-60 (65%). The Pack has been outscored by 22 points at the free throw line in the three games and has lost the three games by a combined 23 points.

Big Monday – NC State at Duke

Tipoff: Monday, January 23, 7pm

Coverage: ESPN

Random Pregame Musical Interlude

Boo This Man

GrasysonAllen

 

BooThisMan

Nicely Done.

NEXT!!!!!!!!

JamieLuckie

NC State not so Luckie on out of bounds call (WRALSportsfan.com)

CommunityBoo

EXCELLENT!!!!!

So How Will We Fare In Durham?

Hehehehe….is this a trick question???

Godspeed, Gentleman.  See ya’s on the other side.

Go Pack!!!!!

About Wufpacker

A 2nd generation alumnus and raised since birth to be irrationally dedicated to all things NC State. Class of '88 and '92.

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Home Forums Your “Big Monday” Duke Open Thread

Viewing 25 posts - 276 through 300 (of 308 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #115530
    rthomas44
    Participant

    I cheated and watched the last five. Happy for the team and especially against Duke. MG will return, unfortunately.

    #115531
    Wulfpack
    Participant

    Great win. Hard to believe this is the same team that lost by 60 to UNC, BC and Wake. There is serious talent on this roster. Now buck up and go DO something with it before the season gets away from us.

    #115532
    Greywolf
    Participant

    Here’s hoping Gott saw the light with using players like Kapita more.

    Old coaches don’t see the light, they get blinded by it.

    #115533
    BassPacker
    Participant

    Here’s hoping Gott saw the light with using players like Kapita more.

    Old coaches don’t see the light, they get blinded by it.

    Guess the “Grey” makes you wise Wolf. Good point !!

    #115534
    gso packbacker
    Participant

    As said, Lowe beat the Dookies in Cameron, we all know how that chapter ended

    Actually, Les Robinson was the last NC State coach to win there, but your point about the victory is still the same.

    #115542
    BassPacker
    Participant

    Been long time since Pack made the National News scroll with some positive headlines. This was followed by Trump headline on CBS News.

    CBS News ticker

    #115545
    Rick
    Keymaster

    Is this the run Gott makes to save his job and hold us in limbo?
    Always glad to beat Duke.
    Was our defense better or did they just miss open threes?
    I think this clinches that K will strike this season from his record.

    #115547
    Texpack
    Participant

    Yes, I been hard on DSJ. Not because he isn’t talented, maybe best talent we’ve seen in decades. I was hard because he didn’t manage the game well, or get his team involved and/or let the game come to him. This game he impressed me by doing things like getting the rock to players like Abu and Maverick in transition, made open shots and good decisions as a leader. Yes, he had several missed layup and some key free throws but down the stretch he was the player we (I) was hoping for from the day he signed.

    As said, Lowe beat the Dookies in Cameron, we all know how that chapter ended. Here’s hoping Gott saw the light with using players like Kapita more. It was a good win no matter where we go from here. Lets hope its finally that game changing season up trending win we needed.

    Very well put. I judge PGs in particular by how well they get the rest of the team involved. I don’t recall seeing the dribble for 20 seconds against a double team offense last night. DSJ got the ball moving if he wasn’t able to attack quickly himself. Maybe the light is starting to flicker.

    #115548
    Wolfpack93
    Participant

    Just dropping by to say there is nothing more entertaining than reading a (well deserved) pessimistic thread on the state of State basketball AFTER an improbable win.

    Of course, I was certain I was going to single-handedly reverse history by watching the re-broadcast this morning and having doubts several times even knowing the outcome.

    Any chance it’s not a Valvano curse, but a Coach K curse instead? Maybe things turn around for us once that man and his unnatural hair finally retire for good.

    #115550
    JeremyH
    Participant

    I have some words for the team: do not collect your news clippings. Do not bask in the glory of the win for more than the same night. Do not rescue wheelchaired kids at center court. Do not go on national media outlets to discuss said rescue efforts. Do not start hotdogging it in practice because you are all of that. In fact, do not pass go, do not collect 200 retweets, and go directly to practice to work on team defense.

    #115551
    Adventuroo
    Participant

    Pardon me for commenting.

    As much as I hate to lose…I cannot get really upset at Coach K. Read The Legends book. Coach K was Jimmy V’s most loyal friend at the end.

    Regardless of how much I have complained, as a fan, about Coach K’s dominance as a coach and his influence on the Zebs, as a person, I totally admire him.

    Les Robinson’s Cameron record is 1 & 0, against Pete Gaudet. Gottfried’s Cameron record is 1 & 0 against Capel.

    I think Jimmy V was the last NCSU coach to defeat Coach K in Cameron.

    Footnote. Google Pete Gaudet. He did not return to Duke in 1996. He will be the patron Saint for all Assistant Coaches because of his class action suit.

    #115552
    TheAliasTroll
    Participant

    You guys seen the video of Henderson crowd surfing on the students after the game? Hilarious.

    #115553
    StateRed44
    Participant

    Is this the run Gott makes to save his job and hold us in limbo?
    Always glad to beat Duke.
    Was our defense better or did they just miss open threes?
    I think this clinches that K will strike this season from his record.

    They missed some shots but I felt we were more active and therefore better. They still got open a bunch. Rebounding stood out, have not seen the stats. Honestly all things considered the difference was Kapita and Smith just being clutch a handful of times.

    #115554
    StateRed44
    Participant

    Just dropping by to say there is nothing more entertaining than reading a (well deserved) pessimistic thread on the state of State basketball AFTER an improbable win.

    Of course, I was certain I was going to single-handedly reverse history by watching the re-broadcast this morning and having doubts several times even knowing the outcome.

    Any chance it’s not a Valvano curse, but a Coach K curse instead? Maybe things turn around for us once that man and his unnatural hair finally retire for good.

    You know, that is a wise observation. I’m gonna hang onto that, because frankly, it gives me more hope that we can get back and stay on the national stage one day. Sigh.

    #115555
    Fastback68
    Participant

    Broken record, Kapita stat line is once again even or better than Abu’s. Abu 36 minutes vs Ted’s 19. It’s a mystery why Kapita hasn’t been given more minutes. He is your next Richard Howell. Very efficient and actually has offensive moves that involves catching, dribbling and attacking the rim. Dorn and Henderson can simply disappear in games for whatever reason. Glad Abu played like he did, just has to be consistent.

    #115558
    bill.onthebeach
    Participant

    The sun is shining this morning and all in RED&WHITE are smiling…

    Enjoy that!

    At breakfast this morning… my buddy – the Hole alum – said first thing after I sat down…

    “Ya’ll played a helluva game last night!”

    I’m glad he noticed…
    Holes come to Rawlee in 22 days…

    #NCSU-North Carolina's #1 FOOTBALL school!
    #115559
    StateRed44
    Participant

    Broken record, Kapita stat line is once again even or better than Abu’s. Abu 36 minutes vs Ted’s 19. It’s a mystery why Kapita hasn’t been given more minutes. He is your next Richard Howell. Very efficient and actually has offensive moves that involves catching, dribbling and attacking the rim. Dorn and Henderson can simply disappear in games for whatever reason. Glad Abu played like he did, just has to be consistent.

    Dorn and Henderson disappear because they are jump shooters.

    #115560
    tractor57
    Participant

    Seems we are seeing the usual progression of an NC State team under Gotfried. Now that we are seeing some positives maybe it is the turning point for the season – or maybe not. I think Duke is really hobbled without K on the bench plus we knew they had significant player issues (as does the Pack). In each case lots of talent but putting that together has been a problem for both. Super win for the Pack but there is always the next game.

    #115562
    JeremyH
    Participant

    guess i mis-posted this.

    They missed some shots but I felt we were more active and therefore better. They still got open a bunch. Rebounding stood out, have not seen the stats. Honestly all things considered the difference was Kapita and Smith just being clutch a handful of times.
    Kapita is active around the rim like no one else, sometimes overzealously. Clearly one of the “motors” of this team that includes DSJ, Rowan, Markell. We’ll never be a great, even “good” defense team under Gott, but the energy guys with their individual talents helps address gaps.

    We need more penetration and pounding the paint, while albeit will be more difficult against big, athletic teams like Miami, but we shouldn’t shy away. We saw this last year too, long, missed jump shots that turn into breakouts, essentially 4-5 point swings.

    An important area of improvement? Patience + taking care of the ball. We regularly hit 15 turnovers a game. Against Duke? Under 10. The book on us thus far is “disrupt the offense and they are cooked”. And the longer you have the ball, the more they work on defense, and the less opportunities they have to score. Hopefully they are getting the message on this and can apply this during even the most stressful situations (opposing teams “runs”).

    #115563
    tractor57
    Participant

    ^ this is a very apt digest of the season thus far for the Pack.

    #115564
    eas
    Participant

    A few things I have to say to feel better today….

    1) Good win on the road and a confidence builder. Duke was absolutely horrible last night but it was still a positive for us. Proud of the team.

    2) The Gottfried effect can now begin it’s normal progression. A little hot streak with a few unexpected wins to possible squeak to a post season.

    My 11yr old Daughter told me right after the game “Dad it looks like coach Gott’s win tonight may have helped him keep the coaching job”. Then she followed with an even more profound statement “it’s OK Dad, that’s what normally happens every year with the Wolfpack”. True story…..Kids have a way of bringing light to the situation.

    #115565
    gso packbacker
    Participant

    My 11yr old Daughter told me right after the game “Dad it looks like coach Gott’s win tonight may have helped him keep the coaching job”. Then she followed with an even more profound statement “it’s OK Dad, that’s what normally happens every year with the Wolfpack”. True story…..Kids have a way of bringing light to the situation.

    Has any kid under the age of 40 witnessed anything else in their lifetime? 🙂

    My son wasn’t born the last time we won in Cameron. He’s 21 now.

    On the plus side, he said he still got “chills” watching the highlight of Smith’s end of game dunk, fully knowing that it didn’t count.

    #115566
    MrPlywood
    Participant

    I care not how much disarray Duke is in or how poorly they played. It takes a village to beat Dook in Cameron.

    #115569
    StateRed44
    Participant

    I care not how much disarray Duke is in or how poorly they played. It takes a village to beat Dook in Cameron.

    Agreed. Don’t want to hear about Duke’s problems. Not really a team in the country that has more NBA players. If anyone deserves a crap year it’s them. Heck, they deserve a crap decade.

    #115570
    PackerInRussia
    Participant

    Well, I’d say this bodes well for the state of things after K retires. So far, State is 2-0 against Duke at Cameron without K on the sidelines.

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