Duke versus Mississippi State

Our long national nightmare is over. The other "Catamounts" have thankfully left the national scene. Order will shortly be restored as WCU takes its rightful place as the only true Catamount team. Now, if only the Lady Catamounts can pull off the greatest upset in NCAA Women's Tournament history...

THE TOURNEY: Ed and I discussed the prospects for upsets in this year's tournament while we were crafting the ACC BasketBlog NCAA Tournament Challenge. And I made the point that with few truly dominant teams there were likely to be loads of upsets. It's funny, 'cause lots of the higher seeded teams have lost but somehow I don't feel there have been any truly big upsets. (Excluding UW-Milwaukee) How do you guys feel about it?

THE FIRST HALF: Duke has struggled on the offensive end but has limited Mississippi State to one shot on the defensive end. The refs are allowing a physical game which seems to give Miss. State an advantage. This game will be decided by halftime adjustments made by the coaches.

SECOND HALF: I just can't stand Billy Packer. And what's up with UNC fans rooting against Duke? I just don't get it. Does Carolina really gain some psychological advantage if Mississippi State wins? Really?

MEANWHILE: Duke continues to lead the game. The lead is no longer double digits. But it's a lead. But Billy Packer and Jim Nantz are calling a Mississippi State blowout. Are they watching the game? What a blowhard. Oh, and don't get me wrong, Packer will pull against UNC and NC State as soon as he gets the chance. Shelden was blocked by the rim. That's a bit embarrassing. Oh well, Mississippi State has taken a one point lead.

It's a one point game, Billy Packer. Just so you know.

TEN TO GO: And it's all tied at 45. Ewing is really playing like a senior who doesn't want to lose. And Mississippi State looks tired from all the effort they've devoted to squaring the game. MS State has played incredibly hard if not at a high level. It's their effort that should be commended. That, and replicated by those who are still playing.

BAD PASS: Duke had a third shot clock violation. That's not good execution--caused by MS State. But Duke plays good D and is still up 3 with 6 to play. Ewing misses a three. Then MS State hits one to tie it. Dockery misses a three. Those are wide open looks that won't fall. Dockery threw a terrific floor check on a screen. We're not playing hockey.

Shelden knocks the ball out on the missed FT. Then an airball from MS State. Packer praises the shot. 'Til it airballs, that is. Then he says it was a bad shot. Shelden was tracking that rebound on the three. Not to be denied he gets the put back. AND1. Duke by three 53-50. Duke is now overplaying the passing lanes. Wow. A late whistle gets Redick for a foul? Was Redick in the play?

TO THE FT LINE: We're under the four minute TO. Missed FTs are diminishing MS State's chances. There's not a lot of scoring so you gotta capitalize on the free ones. (Not the Strawberry Alice kind.) Redick with the mid-range jumper. He's being guarded out on the perimeter so he's going to the FT line extended. Big block for Duke. Then Redick is called for a charge.

TWO TO GO: Duke by 2. MS State ball. Steal by Redick. Block by MS State but a follow shot by Ewing. Smart decision not to foul Redick. but Duke beat MS State down the court. TO MS State.

DUKE BY 4: There's just too much action to type it all. But there's still very little scoring. Big block by Shelden. Mighta got him on that one. Melchionni to the line. Good. And good. 38 seconds to go.

LAST SHOT: Block by Shav and Redick keeps the ball in his hands. He's daring them to foul him. Double team. Step through and pass to the baseline... NO! TO DUKE. 18.9 seconds to play.

QUICK FOUL: Only 8 tenths of a second were needed to send Ewing to the line for 2. Good. Duke by 7. Good. Duke by 8. It's over but the crying.

63-55 Duke. Duke gets Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen with Utah and Kentucky looming below.

SUMMARY: That was a gritty game for Duke. Mississippi State deserves loads of credit for imposing its will on the game. The pace was definitely to their liking. Duke was able to win in front of a crowd clearly behind Mississippi State; so much for Charlotte being a home game atmostphere. While there were several factors that could've turned the game against Duke heart and hustle proved a powerful combination as the Blue Devils moved on.

AND: Don't forget to wach WCU on ESPN this evening. It'll be over early.